Temple Aliyah to Present "The Emperor’s New Clothes"—a Musical

Temple Aliyah in Needham is staging an original musical production of The Emperor's New Clothes. Show dates are Thursday, January 23, at 7:30 pm (open dress rehearsal), Saturday, January 25, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, January 26, at 2:00 pm. All shows will be at Temple Aliyah, 1664 Central Avenue, Needham.

Based on the story The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen, the production features an original script, lyrics, and music by Needhamites Gil and Margie Brodsky. It also features a cast of Temple Aliyah members, ranging in age from 7 to 85. The show is family friendly and will appeal to audiences of all ages.

Temple Aliyah previously put on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat in 2013 and Fiddler on the Roof in 2015. "The Temple Aliyah community is thrilled to be putting on another show after a 5-year hiatus. It's a great community builder," said Wendy Bornstein, who also produced Fiddler. "We've been thinking about another show ever since we finished the last one, and it was hard to come up with one that was a fit for our community. So when Gil and Margie proposed that we do The Emperor, we quickly realized that it was the right choice."

The show is directed by Bruce von Rosenvinge, who also directed Fiddler on the Roof and has a long resume in local community theater. Margie Brodsky serves as the Musical Director, Shoshana Cohen choreographed several dance numbers, and Lisa Kane is the Stage Manager.

Gil and Margie are excited to see their creation come to life in Needham, where they have lived for 40 years. "Our own songs and script, performed in our own town by members of our own synagogue—it's exactly what we wished for," said Gil. "And it's so cool to see how Bruce's direction brings his unique vision."

The cost for the show is $10 for all seats for the Thursday production and $18 for the Saturday and Sunday shows ($10 for students). Tickets can be obtained online at http://www.our.show/TAENC.