Sarasota Jewish Theatre Presents David Gow’s “Cherry Docs” from April 8-19

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) presents “Cherry Docs,” by David Gow, from April 8 to April 19, and the Be A Theatre Maven program for this play on April 10. To purchase tickets, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494. For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

“Cherry Docs” by David Gow, directed by Diane Cepeda, is on stage from April 8 to April 19. When small-time white supremacist Mike Downey (Jim Floyd) is charged with the brutal murder of an immigrant, the case appears open-and-shut. The crime is savage, the motive hateful, and public outrage immediate. Assigned to defend him is Danny Dunkelman (Michael Raver), a young Jewish lawyer and the son of a Holocaust survivor. For Danny, the appointment is more than professionally challenging. It is morally explosive. How does a man whose family history is scarred by genocide stand beside someone who glorifies it? Single tickets ($34-$46) are available at ThePlayers.org or 941-365-2494.

Preview: April 8, 7:30 p.m.

Performances: April 10, 12, 15, 17, 19 at 1:30 p.m.; April 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Director Diane Cepeda stated, “’Cherry Docs’ is the type of show that challenges its audience. David Gow immerses them in a world of opposites, where everything appears very black and white. As the story unfolds, gray emerges, forcing the audience to confront their own ideas regarding judgment, tolerance, and redemption.”

Be A Theatre Maven – the inside story and secrets behind the production of this play – is April 10 from 10:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. This deep dive begins with continental breakfast in the lobby of The Sarasota Players. SJT’s artistic director Carole Kleinberg and the play’s director Diane Cepeda then lead a discussion about the play and playwright, followed by a meeting with the technical team to learn about the design and construction of the set, lighting, sound, props, and costumes, and the complex coordination required to construct a believable and functional universe for the play and the actors. Participants also meet with the actors to learn how they developed their characters. Comprehensive study guides are emailed prior to each program. Tickets ($25-$30) are available at ThePlayers.org or 941-365-2494.

For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. To purchase tickets, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494.

Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s 2025-2026 season is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; Gulf Coast Community Foundation;Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee; Manatee Community Foundation; and Suplee Shea Cramer & Miller, PA.