"Mom, you need to have someone look at your program with fresh eyes.”

Dear Friends and Family,

I heard those words from my very wise daughter Rachel about two years ago. Last year I took her advice and hired Theatrical Director, Jerry Prell. After 6 months of hard work, my concert/lecture Tears, Joy, and Hope: Yiddish Songs Written in the Jewish Ghetto was transformed into a very powerful and moving One Woman Show. There are even costume changes in this new production!

After Jerry watched and studied two recordings of my live shows, and the virtual presentation I had created during the pandemic, his first comment was, “Harriet, the podium has got to go!” My director then proceeded to tap into my dormant acting and improv skills. As a result of Jerry’s expert direction, my newly staged production has taken on a new life of creative spontaneity. 

With the podium gone, and while wearing a wireless mic, I am free to be more connected to my audience. In April of this year, I performed the first staged presentation of “Tears, Joy, and Hope: Yiddish Songs Written in the Jewish Ghetto”. It was an exhilarating experience for both me and my audience, which happened to be in their late 20’s and 30’s. This millennial crowd was new to the music I was presenting and they were visibly moved. The audience encouraged me to reach a wider audience. 

This is where I need you, my friends and family. I am attaching both a flyer and promo video, plus two videos of songs recorded at the show’s debut with translations. I need help getting the word out that this show exists! If all of you forward my flyer, promo video and the two songs ‘Yisrolik’ and ‘Rivkela’ linked here, to a venue of your choice, I may get more opportunities to get this show booked. I'd also recommend printing these translations before listening to the songs for the most enjoyment. Thank you ahead of time, for any connections you can make for me. 

For Jews all over the world, October 7, 2023 was a life-changing event. It was also the inspiration for the last blog you received from me on January 9, 2024 entitled “Staying Motivated.” One year and eight months later that title still applies, because more than ever I have needed the strength to carry on with this project. The improvements in my show and the desire to perform it as much as I can have become my source of motivation. But I cannot do it alone.

Shana Tova (Happy New Year to my Jewish friends who are reading this),

Harriet Bennish