Area premiere
By Aaron Posner
Adapted from the Chaim Potok novel
Directed by Jeremy Skidmore
March 17 – April 11, 2010
Co-production with Delaware Theatre Company

Photo of Alexander Strain by Matt Urban, Delaware Theatre Company

Round House Theatre Bethesda
4545 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

“Beautiful…profound…Everything about director Jeremy Skidmore’s production works at the highest level”
‑ Philadelphia Inquirer

Aaron Posner’s luminous new play is based on the visionary novel of the same name by Chaim Potok (whose other novels include The Chosen). Possessing a prodigious artistic ability, Asher Lev is compulsively driven to draw and paint the world he sees and feels. Born into a Hasidic family in post-World War II Brooklyn, his artistic genius threatens to estrange him from both his parents and his community. Asher’s journey is by turns heartbreaking and exultant as he must choose between art and faith. Following its world premiere, TalkinBroadway.com said it’s “a truly beautiful theatrical experience.”

Due to popular demand, Tuesday night performances of Asher Lev have been added on March 30 & April 6. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. on those evenings. Tickets are now on sale and great seating is available!

Blake’s Take: Aaron’s exciting work has been seen locally at the Folger, Theatre J, and Round House. His adaptation of Potok’s The Chosen won the Barrymore Award and has been seen at more than 30 regional theatres. Aaron’s new theatrical treatment of Asher Lev is already attracting interest from producers across the country. Jeremy Skidmore directs this stage adaptation of Potok’s most personal novel.

Originally commissioned and produced by the Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Asher Lev: Alexander Strain*
Man: Adam Heller*
Woman: Lise Bruneau*

Director: Jeremy Skidmore
Scenic Designer: Tony Cisek
Costume Designer: Ren LaDassor
Lighting Designer: Dan Covey
Sound Designer & Composer: Matthew M. Nielson
Production Stage Manager: Jennifer Schwartz*

Due to brief nudity, this production is recommended for ages 15 & up.

My Name is Asher Lev is sponsored in part through generous support from The Dupler Family

Asher Lev is sponsored in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Washington Jewish Week is the Production Media Partner.

Click here to learn more about novelist Chaim Potok

Click here to read Chaim Potok’s comments about his novel My Name is Asher Lev

Our friends at Delaware Theatre Company created this video for the premiere of this co-production. It features an interview with director Jeremy Skidmore.

Tags: area premiere