SUDDENLY HOPE   Role: Man 3 (Understudy for Ahmed & Man 1)   Production Info: Sept. 2-20, ’03 @ New Denver Civic Theatre Director/Choreographer: Annette Jolles Musical Director: David Truskinoff

The new musical Suddenly, Hope broke some new ground: it told a traditional love story, but was interestingly set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. Inspired by the orchestral work Israel, Oh Israel by Morris Bernstein, the score combined contemporary theatre music with traditional Middle Eastern texts and melodies to create an unique sound. The best part of the whole experience for me was the time exploring the sights in and around Denver, especially the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park!   Click on this link for more information about the New Denver Civic Theatre.

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Some members of the Suddenly Hope team: Annette Jolles, Director, and Bryan K.L. Byrd III, General Manager

Richard Bernstein, our Producer and President of the Board of the New Denver Civic Theatre, helps advertise the show in an innovative way!

In The Office: David Gold (George Dvorsky) starts to make the moves on Hope Levine (Jill Abramovitz).

Caught In the Act: The two budding lovers get interrupted by ensemble member Michael Greenwood.

Shabbat Dinner: Avrum Gold (A.J. Irvin), Ruth Gold (Alice Evans), Hope Levine (Jill Abramovitz), David Gold (George Dvorsky) and Leah Gold (Erin Maguire) share the Sabbath meal.

Jill Abramovitz takes a minute to strike a pose backstage before opening the show alone onstage.

Mark Sanders and Adam Williams make a brief appearance as coffee-shop employees during the opening scene.

When the setting shifts to modern-day Jerusalem, I make my first entrance strolling the stage selling soft drinks. Comedy!

Juliana Stefanov, my Fiddler friend, started the show as a very cute Jerusalem shopper carrying a very ugly handbag.

George Dvorsky, one of the nicest men in showbiz, struts his stuff backstage in his sporty Israeli army gear.

Our show mascot: George’s doggie friend.

Melisa Klausner and Juliana Stefanov ooh and aah over their favorite cast member.

Adam Williams and I prepare to make our entrance into the Act II Gala Dinner scene.

Hal Davis and AJ Irvin dress in their finest for the Gala Dinner for Peace.

Mark Sanders backstage as Ahmed Alfandi, member of a terrorist group planning an attack at the Gala Dinner.

Brian, one of our tireless Company Management staff.

THE DENVER POST, 9/9/2003 by John Moore   There is something of inherent artistic value in any piece of theater that offers a sincere case for peaceful coexistence in the context of the war between Israel and Palestine. In that sense, Suddenly Hope could be considered groundbreaking. Never before has a musical comedy gone anywhere near that premise while still bending over Bethlehem to ensure audiences have a darned good time. Suddenly Hope is well-intentioned, earnest and occasionally lovely, especially its music.   Suddenly Hope features a few gorgeous melodies, often complex harmonies and a terrific five-piece orchestra featuring soaring horn work. The score was based on 87-year-old Morris Bernstein’s 1986 symphony, Israel, Oh Israel, and though all his lyrics have been rewritten for the stage adaptation, his melodies remain the source of seven of the 17 numbers. His imprint is found on the love-at-first-sight comic number, “Can’t Let it Slip Away,” the traditional wedding dance “Ahava” and “Shabbat Dinner.” His fantasy “Can You Imagine?” about a world at peace, is the strongest song, and his new collaborators shine brightest on “Amazing” and “Goodbye,” a terrific breakup tune that ends in a smooch.   The greatest strength of Suddenly Hope is that it humanizes the conflict in the Middle East, both from the perspective of ignorant Americans and, more interestingly, real, average Israelis who persevere for peace. Another is the terrific minimalist set by Lauren Helpern made up of chunks of stone that are maneuvered into shapes as diverse as a prayer wall, an airport and a hospital room. ...Jill Abramovitz is a charming Hope; Leah Gold [Erin Maguire] is a natural as a pregnant American cousin...and the golden-voiced George Dvorsky emerges as the story’s surprising center as the Israeli colonel.   Suddenly Hope is cloaked in goodness, and it deserves life.

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 9/10/2003 by Lisa Bornstein   [Leading the cast is] the clever, likeable Jill Abramovitz as Hope. George Dvorsky plays David in the Ari Ben Canaan mold, dashing and handsome, but terribly serious about his country. David’s mother, Ruth [is] played with strength and warmth by Alice Evans....   The vocal harmonies are lush and beautifully sung by a cast chosen for its fine voices.... Particularly beautiful is the Act I closer. In “Song of Prayer”, voices blend in a prayer for peace at the Western Wall.

THEATERMANIA.COM, 9/11/2003 by Owen Perkins   The change of locale to the Middle East is effectively indicated by Lauren Helpern’s set as the skyline of New York City is replaced by the crumbling walls of Jerusalem. The broken set pieces evoke the fragmented identity and the “battlefield” sense of the city....   The show’s most powerful number is the first act finale, “Song of Prayer,” featuring a strong ensemble full of...passion. Here, the broken set pieces join together to form the Western Wall or Wailing Wall, and the image resonates.   Jill Abramovitz gives a valiant performance in the title role.... George Dvorsky is equally strong as David.... The 14-member cast is capable throughout,... [and] Suddenly Hope showcases consistently strong performances and fine voices across the board. Erin Maguire and A.J. Irvin offer steady support as David’s brother and sister-in-law. Alice Evans shines as David’s mother, Ruth,... [and] Rachel Anton unleashes a second-act showstopper that makes us wish she had been given more chances to display her voice.

WESTWORD, 9/11/2003 by Juliet Wittman   ...[T]here’s something I love about the spirit of this musical, the affirmation of compassionate Jewishness, the genuine yearning for peace and mutual respect between Jewish Israelis and Palestinians.   There are some wonderful voices in the cast...and all of the performances are clean and professional. Hal Davis brings an impressive presence and a fine melodic voice to the role of Professor Alfandi, and George Dvorsky also sings and acts well as David....Erin Maguire is a calmly convincing Leah.   I loved some of the music...the wedding song and the prayer at the wall left me damp-eyed. Despite my reservations, the gentle-heartedness of this entire enterprise moved me deeply. It evokes a Zionism that, at least in intention, was far more humanistic than the bullying self-righteous rage that shapes Israeli politics today.