One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
'South of Delancey' at Fremont Centre Theatre
Jodi Fleisher and Barry Alan Levine in 'South of Delancey.' (Photo by Dove Huntley)
South of Delancey, a new history inflected docu-drama play by Karen Sommers, is currently at Fremont Centre Theatre. Based on an actual 1940s rabbinical arbitration radio program, the play enacts real family crises from archival radio audio and imagined fictional back stories. South of Delancey features relatable characters, vintage audio, competent performers, and a period set that gives the audience a glimpse into the lives of three GI generation families living in New York's post-war Lower East Side.
The entire ensemble of South of Delancey gives strong, energized, and absorbing performances. The cast includes several standouts: Michael Rubenstone plays traumatized World War II veteran and abusive, philandering husband Marty with perceptive unpredictability. Rubenstone injects spurts of misdirected anger, angst, and violent confusion in to his role, bringing an undercurrent of tension to the stage. Rubenstone and Abigail Marks (playing Marty's wife, Faye) have uncommonly good stage chemistry together during their most intense and frightening scene. Marks's performance takes off during the second act, revealing a matured character that tries to remain positive despite embittered cynicism and disappointment. Kal Bennett gives a notable performance as Lenore, a stressed, lonely, and over-extended sister with a straining sibling rivalry. Bennett brings an interesting mix of dazed ferocity and animated instability to her role.
Direction by Sommers is smooth with gingerly paced transitions. Special attention is paid to period, New York, and Jewish cultural details. Incorporating segments of the radio show that South of Delancey is born out of is a fascinating historical touch that breathes significance into the play. Fight choreography by Jeff Lewis brings realism to the melodramatic plots. Warm antique set design by Dove Huntley, enviously beautiful vintage costuming by Lois Tedrow, and sound design by Grady Hutt lend historical authenticity.
South of Delancey is playing through June 26 Fremont Centre Theatre. Tickets are available online or via phone at 866-811-4111. Tickets are $20 to $25.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
