This award-winning adaptation from Chaim Potok's bestselling novel is the story of two boys, two fathers and two very different Jewish communities -"five blocks and a world apart". The Chosen has become a classic and is taught at many schools in the GTA.
In 1967, Chaim Potok burst upon the literary scene with his first novel The Chosen. An unusually deft blending of popular storytelling and complex, intellectually stimulating themes, it catapulted Potok into the front rank of American novelists.
When approached by Aaron Posner, the resident director of Philadelphia's Arden Theatre Company, to co-author a new dramatic adaptation of the novel, Potok agreed to do so and it was produced to sold-out crowds around North America and around the world.
The story spans the years from 1944 to 1949. It tells the story of two boys, from very different backgrounds, who become unlikely friends after a bitter baseball game between their two schools.
One is Danny Saunders, the brilliant heir apparent to his father Reb Saunders, the worshiped, charismatic leader of an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic sect. The other is Reuven Malter, son of David, a modern Orthodox humanist professor whose writings and ideas Reb Saunders hates. In spite of this, Danny and Reuven become soul friends helping them to overcome the adversity and differences of their backgrounds and of their respective communities.
"When we first produced this play in 2004 the audiences and the reviewers loved it. We played to sold-out houses and had to extend the show's run" says Ari Weisberg, founder and artistic director of TEATRON Theatre. "THE CHOSEN deserves both a fine stage adaptation and outstanding talent, and we are pleased to bring you both."
The cast of five includes Howard Jerome* in his third appearance with TEATRON Theatre, along with veteran actors Sam Rosenthal* and Michael Lebovic. We're also pleased to present Tal Shulman and Hershel Blatt in their TEATRON debut. This cast, with this story, makes for a show you'll want to see more than once.
Ticket prices
Preview - $19
Mid-week, Sundays and matinees - $31 (Adult); $26 (Student/Senior); $37 (Premium seating).
Saturday nights - $36; $30; $48. Taxes included.
For tickets:
Toronto Centre for the Arts box office, 5040 Yonge St.; Ticketmaster 1-855-985-ARTS (2787). Save 20% and purchase a season subscription by calling 416-733-0545 or online at www.teatrontheatre.com. Group discount and special promotions available by calling 416-781-5527.
Videos