Sarasota Jewish Theatre Announces 2025 Newish Jewish Play Reading Series

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to announce the plays chosen for its summer 2025 Newish Jewish Play Reading Series. The series includes “Observant” by Pamela Weiler Grayson on July 21, “Time Will Tell” by Jeffery Kin on August 4, and “A Black and White Cookie” by Gary Morgenstein on August 11. The 7:30 p.m. play readings are presented at The Sarasota Players in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $20 per reading or $54 for the three-play series. To purchase single tickets, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494; the three-play series can only be purchased by calling 941-365-2494. For information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

These three plays, carefully selected from submissions by Jewish playwrights and of plays dealing with Jewish content, promise to captivate audiences through thoughtful rehearsed readings by talented local artists. Audience members will be asked to complete evaluation forms which will help SJT decide if any of the plays are appropriate to fully stage in Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s 2026-2027 season.

“Observant” by Pamela Weiler Grayson, directed by Steve Black

Monday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.

Three generations of women in one family confront their relationships to their Jewish identities, and to each other, when a 2019 mass temple shooting rocks their suburban New York community. Comedy and tragedy entwine, as family members grapple with what it means to be a Jewish American. Pamela Weiler Grayson is a New York City-based playwright and musical theatre writer whose award-winning shows have been seen in theatres throughout the country. “Observant” received a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, was a Jewish Plays Project semi-finalist, and a 2024 Broadway World Best New Play nominee.

“Time Will Tell” by Jeffery Kin, directed by Sharon Ohrenstein

Monday, August 4, 7:30 p.m.

Jeffery Kin fell in love with the writings of Isaac Bashevis Singer as a struggling actor in NYC. One story stayed close to his heart: “Two” from the collection of short stories called “Old Love.” A dramatic and, for him at the time, groundbreaking story of true love ... and how it’s rarely perfect. He is pleased to share this unconventional love story that has been updated for today's audience. Jeffery Kin was lured to the Sarasota area for its lively cultural arts scene in 1991. He has been an award-winning actor, director, teacher, coach, producer, and playwright. A strong proponent of volunteerism, he helps area organizations as an emcee, host, and arts enthusiast. Kin will produce the second annual Living Arts Festival – Sarasota from November 2-9, 2025.

“A Black and White Cookie” by Gary Morgenstein, directed by Diane Cepeda

Monday, August 11, 7:30 p.m.

In this Broadway World Best Original Play award winner, an exorbitant rent increase forces Harold Wilson, a conservative African American, to close his Manhattan newsstand after 30 years and retire to Florida to live with his niece Carol. Enter long-time customer Albie Sands, an eccentric Jewish Communist, who persuades Harold to fight back. The two lonely seniors overcome their differences to forge a powerful friendship, showing there is more that unites us than divides us. Gary Morgenstein’s works have been performed all over the United States, including “A Tomato Can’t Grow in the Bronx,” “Dancing on Glass,” “Walking Charlie,” and “The Silence of Our Friends.”

Carole Kleinberg, SJT’s artistic director, stated, “Newish Jewish Plays reflects my commitment to bringing new plays to Sarasota, plays which reflect the important events and contemporary issues that shape our lives today.”

For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. To purchase single tickets ($20), visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494; the three-play series ($54) can only be purchased by calling 941-365-2494.