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Sholom Aleichem
Now You’reTalking
Saul Reichlin’s dramatization of the stories
Of Sholom Aleichem
At Chicago Jewish Theatre
5123 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
Wednesdays at 2PM and 8PM, Thursdays at 8PM, Saturdays at 8PM
and Sundays at 1PM and 5PM
Tickets $25, Through July 4, 2004
Saul Reichlin is fantastic!
I love storytellers and Saul Reichlin is the most electrifying storyteller I’ve ever heard. No one can give life to multiple characters like Reichlin and he makes clever complicated stories crystal clear. I’m of Irish heritage and I’ve heard several seanchaih’s (Irish Storytellers) weave yarns from the Celtic tradition, but I’ve never heard anyone like Saul Reichlin. He’s so natural, I thought Sholom Aleichem came to life! Reichlin uses Yiddish terms and smoothly explains each without missing a beat allowing all to understand both his literal and figurative meanings. This show has as much universal appeal as Fiddler on the Roof.
What gives this storytelling event its appeal is Aleichem’s hopefulness and humanity as he tells heart-warming, often funny, and always entertaining stories that, while distinctly Jewish shtetl (small town) in flavor, are really universal European folklore. Traditions are traditions and as the Russian Jews always ask, “Do you want to earn eternal life?” Enriched with ironic humor, Aleichem’s stories are essentially a celebration of life in spite of all the persecution suffered.
I particularly enjoyed the story of how Tevye, the milkman from Fiddler on the Roof, became a milkman. After all, Sholom Aleichem did write the stories that the hit Broadway musical was based on. It doesn’t change a thing, but it’s nice to know!
I congratulate Elayne LeTraunik for bring this world-class show to Chicago. It’s amazing that the Chicagoland Jewish community isn’t packing the house each performance at Chicago Jewish Theatre. Each group must pass along their traditions to the next generation and I’d advise every Jewish reader to take your entire family (especially the children) to see this amazing show. Saul Reichlin is a fabulous talent and is equal to the task of reliving Sholom Aleichem’s legacy.
Lovers of storytelling, lovers of one-person shows and lovers of marvelous theatre need to get to Chicago Jewish Theatre to become enchanted with Saul Reichlin’s performance.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
June 16, 2004
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