Pangs of the Messiah

PANGS OF THE MESSIAH

June 17-July 1, 2009
Brooks Theatre, The Cleveland Play House

“This exquisitely balanced play packs quite a formidable political punch. It will be of great interest to anyone concerned about Middle East geopolitics and the consequences of impending political change.” - The Chicago Tribune

“A pressure cooker of interfamilial and political tension.” - The Washington Post
Written by contemporary Israeli playwright Motti Lerner
Directed by Scott Plate

An emotionally charged drama set in 2012, PANGS OF THE MESSIAH portrays the struggles and conflict faced by a family of religious Zionist pioneers after the signing of a Peace Accord by the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. This thought-provoking piece of theater encourages understanding of the wide-ranging convictions, passions and perspectives of the Israeli people and of the diversity and strife that exists in contemporary Israeli society.

Each performance will include a pre-performance talk one hour prior to curtain and a post performance discussion immediately following.

Christine Howey's Rave and Pan Review "...a stellar cast under the direction of Scott Plate delivers a powerful evening of theater."

Roy Berko's Review "Strong performances are put in by Charles Kartali as Shmuel, Jean Zarzour as his wife, Karon Sabo as his daughter-in-law, Amy Pawlukiewicz as his daughter, and Ryan Jagru, as Shmuel’s conflicted son-in-law."

Fran Heller's Cleveland Jewish News Review "Amy Pawlukiewicz shines as Benny’s worrisome pregnant wife Chava, who fears that her husband will turn to extremist tactics once again."

The Odd Couple

The Odd Couple
Fairmount Center for the Arts
April 16-May 1, 2009

Critical and Audience response...

"Carla Petroski and Amy Pawlukiewicz are delightful as the English Pigeon sisters." - Roy Berko, American Critics Association

“…each of the characters were superbly cast and played. It was a wonderful evening. Neil Simon's play is still on target for laughter from all ages.”


"FPAC's production of The Odd Couple was pure sardonic joy! This is a presentation that Neil Simon himself would be proud of - every actor is just perfect in their role and the comedy and timing rival that of anything you might find at Playhouse Square or any professional theater. If you are looking for a night of great theater, you have found it with FPAC's The Odd Couple."

Winner of a 'Times Newspaper Tribute Award for Outstanding Theatre 2009'

Roy Berko, Times Theatre Critic