Chutzpah! Jewish Women Onstage

…and you didn’t think a shiksa could become one?

Chutzpah! That describes this group of bright, gutsy Jewish women who broke with convention and defied expectation. In story and song, Chutzpah! Jewish Women Onstage explores the lives of legendary musical performers: Molly Picon, Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice, Barbra Streisand, and Bette Midler. But this is also about the surprising journey of one more performer–an Oregon girl who fell into widowhood and embraced her new faith: Judaism. All are survivors–with humor and moxie.

These women took huge risks in their careers, redefined themselves to survive, struggled with love and loss but continued to hold onto their Jewish values. Singer/actress, Liz Keever tells their stories woven with her own. These strong women were not afraid of honoring their Jewish heritage and did so through the diversity of song styles they popularized. This show features songs they originated on Broadway; in the Yiddish theatre; in vaudeville; and jazz, classic blues and pop melodies. Along with favorites, some little-known gems have been rediscovered and included. Barry Kleinbort directs.

Appropriate for children 12 and over.

“…every song is impeccably phrased…”

“…warm, engrossing…”

“…Keever can belt them with the best…”

“…haunting ballads…are indeed the showstoppers.”

Backstage Magazine