Minnesota Jewish Theatre Presents A STRANGE AND SEPARATE PEOPLE, Now thru 11/3

The Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company will open the regional premiere of Jon Marans' A Strange and Separate People tonight, October 12, 2013.

This contemporary drama of betrayal and new beginnings focuses on Jay and Phyllis-a young, Upper West Side, Orthodox Jewish couple whose marriage unravels when Jay becomes romantically involved with Stuart-a young doctor who is handsome, cocky, and strangely charismatic. Stuart is also Orthodox but has recently been awakened to his religion. A Strange and Separate People explores the struggle for many to accept their homosexuality while observing their religious beliefs, and questions the meaning of love.

A Strange and Separate People will run October 12 through November 3, 2013 and will be directed by Kurt Schweickhardt. This is Mr. Schweickhardt's sixth production with MJTC; his previous productions include Old Wicked Songs, also by Jon Marans.

Barbara Brooks, producing artistic director at MJTC shares, "The overarching theme of Jon's plays tend to address self discovery and struggling with one's personal beliefs. A Strange and Separate People is a compelling play that will encourage community discussion and, hopefully, understanding and acceptance. Jon's play Old Wicked Songs, which we produced in 1997, is one of my most favorite plays. I couldn't be more pleased with an opportunity to again introduce a new work of Jon's to Minnesota audiences."

MJTC would also like to welcome back to the stage Elena Giannetti. Ms. Giannetti previously appeared in Our Class, My Name is Asher Lev, and Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, and will play the role of Phyllis in a Strange and Separate People. Other acting credits include the Guthrie, Park Square, History Theatre, Penumbra, Mixed Blood, TRP, Children's Theatre, Playwrights' Center, Off Leash Area, MN Shakespeare Project. Brand new to the MJTC stage are Brandon Bruce (Jay) and Nate Cheeseman (Stuart). Mr. Bruce is a recent transplant to the Twin Cities and has performed with such theaters as the Cleveland Play House, Porthouse, Signal Ensemble, and Iowa Summer Repertory. Mr. Cheeseman recently graduated from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program. MJTC is delighted to have adynamic cast to bring this play to life at MJTC.

The show runs at the Hillcrest Center Theater 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116, opening October 12, 2013 October 12 - November 3, 2013. Audio Description Sunday, 27 at 1 pm. Times/Prices: Wednesdays at 7:30pm $19 Thursdays at 7:30pm $20 Saturdays at 8pm $28 Sundays at 1pm $24. There is one Sunday evening performance on October 13 at 7 pm - $19.

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company is a non-profit organization now in its 19th year of presenting professional productions rooted in the Jewish experience and illuminating the common humanity among us all. The audience for MJTC is almost equally divided between Jews and non-Jews. For further information about MJTC, call 651-647-4315 or visit our website at www.mnjewishtheatre.org; or join our facebook family at http://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaJewishTheatreCompany or follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/MNJewishTheatre.

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