MY NAME IS ASHER LEV Opens at Performance Network Theatre Tomorrow

"My Name is Asher Lev" adapted by Aaron Posner from the novel by Chaim Potok is the narrative of a young Jewish boy who lives in Brooklyn with his extremely orthodox family as he travels through time, reliving his journey as a painter and the struggles it presented within his family. A proud co-production with Performance Network Theatre in Ann Arbor and the Jewish Ensemble Theatre (JET) in West Bloomfield, "My Name is Asher Lev" received rave reviews from critics at the JET in April. The performances in West Bloomfield were so successful that the JET extended the run through June. "My Name is Asher Lev" is now coming to Performance Network Theatre on August 8 through September 8 starring Naz Edwards, Mitchell Koory, and John Seibert. Tickets can be purchased online at performancenetwork.org or by calling 734-663-0681.

"My Name is Asher Lev" is a story about beauty, destiny, and family. The play opens with Asher and his mother Rivkeh in his room. She is horrified when she discovers her son's sketches of crucifixes and nudes. Asher begins asking questions about the life of Jesus. "Was he the moshiac?" asks Asher. "Of course not! The mosiach has not come. Look how much suffering there is in the world. Would there be so much suffering in the world if the mosiach had really come?" responds his mother. From this point forward, Asher teeters with the delicate balance of accurately reflecting his family's beliefs and using his gift as a painter to spread beauty in times of despair.

The novel by Chaim Potok was published in 1972 and is said to be one of Potok's greatest works. The play is currently running successfully off-Broadway in New York City and EncoreMichigan.com said PNT and JET's production is "the rare opportunity to enjoy a current off Broadway hit without visiting the Big Apple."

The production stars Naz Edwards, Mitchell Koory, and John Seibert with direction by David Magidson (Artistic Director of the JET) and designs by Sarah Tanner, Jon Weaver, Mary Copenhagen, and Julia Gray.

Naz Edwards is a proud member of Actors Equity and is thrilled to be back at the Network in this very special production. Naz was last seen at Performance Network in "A Little Night Music" as Desiree Armfeldt and "The Drowsy Chaperone" as Drowsy. She has graced many stages from Broadway to National Tours, Regional Theatres, Television....and even Voice Animation in "Sailor Moon" as Queen Beryl. Some of her favorite roles include: The Leader in "Zorba", opposite Anthony Quinn on Broadway and on its National Tour, Dunyasha in "Anna Karenina", on Broadway at Circle in the Square, Mahiette in Dennis De Young's "Hunchback of Notre Dame", Madame Giry in Ken Hill's "Phantom of the Opera", and Denise in "The Baker's Wife". At Performance Network, Naz has been seen in "Man of La Mancha", "She Loves Me", "Little Shop of Horrors", "The Clean House" and "Woman Before a Glass" (as Peggy Guggenheim). Her solo CD can be purchased at cdbaby.com.

John Seibert is an Associate Artist with Performance Network, where he was last seen as Fredrik in "A Little Night Music" and Dr. Givings in "In the Next Room or: The Vibrator Play". Other credits at PNT include "Next Fall", "Christmas Carol'd", "A Feminine Ending", "The "Baker's Wife" and "A Doll's House" and his direction of "Circle Mirror Transformation" (Best Comedy 2011 Wilde Awards) and "Doubt" (Wilde Award-Best Drama 2008). John's other regional credits include The Purple Rose, Alabama Shakespeare Fest and Actors Theatre of St. Paul among others. John has also directed for The Williamston Theatre, North Coast Repertory in San Diego, The Triangle Theatre (off-Broadway) and for Eastern Michigan University where he serves as a lecturer in the Communication, Media and Theatre Arts department.

Ticket reservations to "My Name is Asher Lev" are $22 - $41 (with 10 Pay-What-You-Can tickets available every Thursday) and can be made at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at performancenetwork.org, or at Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday - Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 11am-6pm.

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