Photos and Video: Meet the Cast of SOUL DOCTOR- Eric Anderson & More!
By: BWW Special Coverage Aug. 06, 2013
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Soul Doctor, about the life and music of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and his unlikely friendship with Nina Simone, is currently in previews at the Circle in the Square Theatre, with an official opening slated for Thursday, August 15. Soul Doctor has music by Shlomo Carlebach, orchestrated and arranged for Broadway by Steve Margoshes (Smokey Joe's Café, The Who's Tommy), book and direction by Daniel S. Wise, and lyrics by David Schechter.
Meet the cast of the new musical below!
The new Broadway musical Soul Doctor tells the fascinating story of the beloved yet controversial father of popular Jewish music, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. A modern-day troubadour, Shlomo ignited the spirit of millions around the world with his soul-stirring melodies, transformative storytelling and boundless love. After his childhood escape from Nazi Germany, the young Rabbi formed an unlikely friendship with legendary jazz singer Nina Simone, who introduced him to soul and gospel music. Fusing his roots with his newfound inspiration, Shlomo created a revolutionary musical sound, writing songs that became instant standards. As a "Rock Star Rabbi" of the 1960s, he struggled to harmonize his traditional beliefs with the "free love" generation. Today, his uplifting music and message help to define America's most defiant era.
Eric Anderson (Shlomo) was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his portrayal of Shlomo in the NYTW production of Soul Doctor. Broadway: Kinky Boots, South Pacific. Other credits include The Wild Party (Burrs, L.A. premiere), Ragtime (Tateh), Troubadour Theater Company member. TV: "The Good Wife," "Law & Order," "Alias." Wife: Jessica Rush. He dedicates his performance to the memory of his father and fellow entertainer, Nils Anderson.
Jacqueline Antaramian (Mother) Broadway: Coram Boy, Julius Caesar, Mary Stuart, Master Class, Wrong Mountain. Met: Andromache in Les Troyens, Clytemnestre in Iphigénie en Tauride with Placido Domingo. Leading lady in more than 70 productions, including title roles in Hedda Gabler, Candida, Miss Julie and Mary Stuart.
Dianna Barger (Holy Beggar, u/s Ruth) received her BFA from Pennsylvania State University and is making her Broadway debut! Credits: Off-Broadway: Soul Doctor (NYTW). Regional: Hairspray (Westchester Theatre),Peter Pan (Pittsburgh CLO), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Pennsylvania Centre Stage), The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere(Theatreworks USA).
Richard Cerato (Swing, u/s Shlomo) Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: Dear Edwina. International: Fame, Cinderella. Recent: A Separate Peace (Chet), Band Geeks! (Spitz), Grease (Doody). Proud graduate of the University of the Arts. Proud son of Becky and Amedeo. Many thanks to Chris and Joy.
Tara Chambers (Holy Beggar/Cellist) was most recently on Broadway in Chaplin. She has toured the U.S., Canada, Europe and Korea with various Broadway shows, orchestras and opera companies. She graduated from Ithaca College and the Manhattan School of Music.
Maria Conti (Holy Beggar/Violinist) Violinist Maria Conti received her Master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to Broadway, Maria performs as a soloist and chamber musician and with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. She also improvises and records for various artists and genres.
Alexandra Frohlinger (Holy Beggar, u/s Young Eli Chaim/Ira) Broadway debut! Theatre: West Side Story (Anybodys, 1st national), Little Miss Scrooge (Jenny Trent, Rubicon), Baseball Night (Boston Pops). TV: "Triple Sensation" (top ten, CBC). BFA, Boston Conservatory. Thank you SD team, Stewart Talent and family. Dreams come true, Ki Va Moed!
Afra Hines (Swing/Dance Captain) Broadway: Ghost (u/s Clara, Louise, Mrs. Santiago, original Broadway cast), In the Heights (original Broadway cast), Wicked. Film/TV: "Boardwalk Empire." Other: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockette). Love to my family. www.afrahines.com
Amber Iman (Nina) Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: Rent (Mrs. Jefferson, "Seasons" soloist), A Civil War Christmas (Hannah). Heartfelt thanks to Stewart Talent, Daniel Wise, Hilda Willis, cast and crew. Eternal love to Mom/Dad, friends, family, SAI, D.I.V.A., Inc. Graduate of Howard University, HU! Love and Light!!!www.amberiman.com
Abdur-Rahim Jackson (Holy Beggar) Broadway debut! BFA, Juilliard; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Choreography: Beyoncé's Mrs. Carter World Tour; Beyoncé Super Bowl XLVII halftime show, Crazy in Love (LED screen); "Halo" music video; Alvin Ailey; Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Film: Black Nativity. TV: "Smash." Thanks to my wife and Ummi.
Jamie Jackson (Father/Rebbe/Cop/Ram Das, u/s Shlomo) Theatre: The 39 Steps (Off-Broadway),Sweeney Todd (Gateway). TV: "The Blacklist," "Zero Hour," "Flight of the Conchords." Film: My Man Is a Loser. An Aussie, he lives with composer wife, SoHee Youn. Their musical: I Spy a Spy! (NY workshop 2013). Love to SoHee. www.jamiejackson.com
Ethan Khusidman (Young Shlomo/Joel, Young Eli Chaim/Ira) is excited to join Soul Doctor! Broadway:Chaplin. Workshops: Miracle on 34th Street, Fly, Millions, On Borrowed Time. National tour: LES MISERABLES. Film: Dark Was the Night. TV: "WKUK," "Sesame Street." Many thanks to family, Geoffrey Cantor, Dance Molinari, Badiene, Trapper, Luke McEndarfer and David Doan!
Dillon Kondor (Holy Beggar/Guitarist) originated the guitar hooks for Dogfight, Flashdance and the 2012 revival of Carrie. He is also active as a composer and arranger in a wide variety of musical contexts, from pop to experimental. To learn more: dillonkondor.com.
Zarah Mahler (Ruth) Credits include Wicked (2nd national tour, Nessarose), Cabaret (Drury Lane Chicago, Sally), Neil Patrick Harris' Rent (Hollywood Bowl). Film/TV: "Ghost Whisperer," The Prop Is the Girl. A contemporary singer-songwriter, Mahler is currently developing her debut album. Love and thanks to friends and family.
Vasthy Mompoint (Holy Beggar, u/s Nina) Original Broadway casts: Good Vibrations, Hot Feet, Mary Poppins, Ghost. Thanks to Balderrama, PGC, Darin, Virginia, About Artist, Joy Dewing and friends and family. Vasthy is also a designer. Check out "V & J Musically Inspired" on Facebook! Be the change you want to see in the world.
Ron Orbach (Reb Pinchas/Engineer/Announcer) Broadway: Laughter on the 23rd Floor; Chicago (Amos Hart), 1st national tour (1998 Jeff Award); A Midsummer Night's Dream (Bottom), Chicago Shakespeare Theater (2012 Jeff nomination). Film: Clueless. TV: "Law & Order." Love my Kathleen.
Ian Paget (Holy Beggar, u/s Eli Chaim) Recent: Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (La Jolla Playhouse) Broadway: Leap of Faith, Mamma Mia! West End: West Side Story. TV/Film: "One Life to Live" (Lou), Rock of Ages, Step Up Revolution, "America's Got Talent." Endless love to my family and friends!
Heather Parcells (Holy Beggar, u/s Mother) Broadway: A Chorus Line (Judy), Wonderland (Mad Hatter/Queen of Hearts u/s), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Tours: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Miss Dorothy u/s),Chicago (Velma), Some Like It Hot...and lots of other stuff. FSU graduate. Thanks to Christopher and Joy. Love to family. @HeatherParcells
Michael Paternostro (Moisheleh/ Milt/Timothy Leary, u/s Father/Rebbe/Cop, u/s Reb Pinchas/Recording Engineer/Cop/Ram Da) Broadway: Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie), Beauty and the Beast(Lumiere/Lefou), Saturday Night Fever (Monty), Fosse, Sweet Smell of Success, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Chorus Line (Greg). Etc.: West Side Story (Action/Arab), The Producers (Carmen Ghia; Ovation Award). Composer: Scary Musical.
JC Schuster (Holy Beggar, u/s Moisheleh/Milt/Timothy Leary) returns with Soul Doctor for his Broadway debut. He thanks family and friends for their support and God for this wonderful opportunity. Remembering his grandmothers, who dreamed of seeing him on Broadway. Performances: "Glee," "Gossip Girl," Madonna "GMYL" video. Film: Mind of Its Own, The Final.
Eric J. Stockton (Holy Beggar/Guitarist) Eric is a NYC-based guitarist who joins Soul Doctor after touring America with Flashdance the Musical. Check out his album roots at ericstockton.net. When not playing Soul Doctor, Eric can be found playing with Daniel Goodman and other songwriters in NYC clubs.
Ryan Strand (Eli Chaim/The Holy Hippie) Third time's the charm for Ryan in Soul Doctor! Having done the show in Florida and Off-Broadway, he's thrilled to be making this his Broadway debut! Selected credits: Jersey Boys (Frankie u/s), Altar Boyz (Abraham). Love to Becca and family! www.ryanstrand.net
Teddy Walsh (Young Shlomo/Joel, Young Eli Chaim/Ira) makes his Broadway debut in Soul Doctor. Teddy's first theatrical role was in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular as Ben. He is also an Emmy-nominated voiceover actor, cast in animated television series for Nickelodeon and Disney Channel.
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