Sarasota Jewish Theatre launches “Newer Jewish Plays” series

The Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) has announced its summer reading series Newish Jewish Plays, which will take place on Mondays at 7 p.m. from July 15-29. The series includes Dancing on glass by Gary Morgenstein, Original Renter by Carole Braverman and We are the Levinsons by Wendy Kout. Readings will take place at Players Centre Studio 1130 in the Crossings at Siesta Key shopping centre.

“Newer Jewish pieces reflects my commitment to bringing new pieces to Sarasota that reflect the evolving world, our changing values, and the important events and contemporary issues that shape our lives today,” says Carole Kleinburg, artistic director of SJT, who We are the Levinsons.

The three plays were chosen from a selection of 19 new plays by Jewish playwrights or from a selection of plays with Jewish content. After each reading, audience members will be asked to fill out evaluation forms that will help SJT decide whether any of the plays are suitable for performance in the 2025-2026 season.

Here you can find further information about the individual pieces.

Dancing on glass by Gary Morgenstein, Director: Blake Walton

July 15, 7 p.m.

Gary Morgenstein’s new play makes headlines Dancing on glass entangles two dysfunctional families in a highly publicized case of anti-Semitism, political bullying and parenting issues sparked by the firing of a Jewish Israeli-Palestinian studies teacher. Directed by Blake Walton, CEO of SaraSolo Productions and an award-winning director, published playwright and teacher who has also been a professional actor for 40 years.

Original tenants by Carole Braverman, Director: Steve Black

July 22, 7 p.m.

When a daughter visits her ailing mother in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, memories of lost loves and broken friendships are awakened. (Remember: Our city for Brooklyn Jews of a certain age.) Director Steve Black is artistic director of the Sarasota Area Playwrights Society and has worked in theaters in the United States and abroad for over 40 years.

We are the Levinsons by Wendy Kout, directed by Carole Kleinberg

July 29, 7 p.m.

What happens when a grown daughter moves in with her recently widowed father and tries to control the next steps in his life? An alternative title for this piece could be The daughter knows best – or does she? This piece evokes family memories with affection and humor.

For more information, click here. To purchase individual tickets ($12), visit theplayers.org or call (941) 365-2494; tickets for the entire three-play series ($30) can be purchased only by calling (941) 365-2494.