Jewish Women's Theatre to Reprise EDEN ACCORDING TO EVE in Santa Monica

Jewish Women's Theatre (JWT) will reprise "Eden According to Eve," one of its most popular shows for two exclusive holiday performances on Sunday, December 17 at 2 and 5pm at The Braid, JWT's home theatre in Santa Monica.

Five of JWT's favorite actors including Monica Piper, just returned from over 200 Off-Broadway performances of her smash hit "Not That Jewish," will perform. Piper will be joined by writer/comic actress Shelly Goldstein; Lisa Robins, star of JWT's critically acclaimed "The Blessings of a Broken Heart;" and LA theatre and film veterans Judith Scarpone and Robert Trebor. Susan Morganstern will direct.

"With all that is going on with women in the world today, we thought it was prudent to revisit Eve, Delilah, Sarah, Rebecca and a few of their modern-day progeny to see what, if anything, has changed," said Ronda Spinak, JWT's artistic director. "Eve is very rarely quoted in the Bible, but she had a lot to say. Unfortunately Adam got all the coverage-until now."

The stories in "Eden According to Eve," reveal the inner thoughts of several Biblical heroines and villainesses and translate their ancient perspectives into themes and stories that are contemporary and more than relevant today. Audiences will share a contemporary Sarah-like mother's worries about her 40-year old son who still lives at home and spends all his time playing video games. They will finally hear Eve's hysterically funny explanation of why she ate that apple and learn what life was like for the first family in "Paradise Adjacent."

The show also includes poignant pieces about the lingering effects of joint custody on children and a mother's heartbreaking, valiant efforts to survive the suicide of her son with the help of singing. And yes, there will be singing in the show.

"This is a special holiday show that families can share," said director Morgenstern. "JWT and our talented cast and writers will help us all laugh and cry together."

Theatre guests will also be invited to view a new art exhibit in The Gallery@The Braid, a show that celebrates JWT's 10th Anniversary with a curated retrospective of original paintings that were originally used as salon program covers. Marilee Tolwin, who has been creating art for JWT since 2013, will give a special art talk about the exhibit at 11:30 a.m. on December 17, before the performance. The art talk and gallery show are free.

"It has been an honor to create images that complement our salon shows," said Tolwin. "I look forward to discussing how my use of color and form add an additional perspective to JWT's unique take on Jewish art forms."

"Eden According to Eve" will play for just two performances on Sunday, December 17 at 2 and 5 p.m. at The Braid, 2912 Colorado Avenue, Suite 102, Santa Monica. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at www.jewishwomenstheatre.org.

JWT, recently voted "Best Live Theatre on the Westside" by The Argonaut, stages and displays traditional and contemporary works that provide a forum for the development, performance and showcasing of Jewish talent. Now celebrating its 10th Anniversary, JWT's salon theatre of original dramatic shows, each written to a specific theme, displays the diverse and eclectic community of writers, artists and creators who comprise L.A.'s Jewish women's community. Learn more about JWT at: www.jewishwomenstheatre.org.

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