Mike Burstyn to Reprise Starring Role in Folksbiene’s Adventures of Hershele Ostropolyer

Mike Burstyn will once again play the title role in The National Yiddish Theatre – Folksbiene’s musical The Adventures of Hershele Ostropolyer, based on the play by Moyshe Gershenson, and adapted, choreographed and directed for Folksbiene by Eleanor Reissa. It will perform at The Baruch Performing Arts Center, May 15-June 26.

The show, which was a hit during Folksbiene’s 2009-2010 season, revolves around Hershele, a beloved folk hero and compassionate jester who battles injustice armed only with his wits. In this comic tale full of song, Hershele mobilizes a community to overcome the greedy desires of a villain who stands in the way of young love. The work is performed entirely in Yiddish, with English and Russian supertitles.

The musical score is compiled by the Yiddish musicologist Chana Mlotek. Zalmen Mlotek serves as music director and arranger. The show’s 4-piece klezmer band features the emerging clarinetist Dmitri Slepovitch.

Burstyn’s Broadway credits include Barnum and Ain’t Broadway Grand, and he starred in the national tours of The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife and Jolson. He has received two Drama Desk nominations, for the productions On Second Avenue and The Rothschilds. For over 50 years as a singer and actor, Burstyn has alternated between projects in Yiddish, Hebrew, Dutch, and English.

For TheaterMania’s review of the 2010 engagement of The Adventures of Hershele Ostropolyer, click here.

For tickets and more information, click here.