Life story of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach set to make world Yiddish premiere

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June 6, 2014

The Jewish Tribune
June 6, 2014
By Mike Cohen


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It has been 20 years since his death, but the music and interesting life of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach still resonates. The fact that a bio-musical about his career and his unexpected friendship with the high-priestess of soul, Nina Simone, made it to Broadway last year further cemented his legacy.

Soul Doctor had a successful run at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York. From June 8 to 29, the Segal Centre for Performing Arts in Montreal will present the world Yiddish premiere of the play.

Beginning with his childhood escape from Nazi Germany, the script follows Carlebach’s remarkable journey as he becomes a rabbinical prodigy, discovers gospel and soul music through his friendship with Simone, then becomes famous as the ‘Rock Star Rabbi.’

Stardom, however, has a price and Carlebach must make peace with his family, faith and personal demons. Featuring more than 30 of his greatest hits, Soul Doctor is an exhilarating musical journey through the triumphs and tribulations of a cultural phenomenon. Adam Stotland, a charismatic 37-year-old cantor at Shaare Zion Congregation, plays the lead role.

“Adam is an example of a young person who was very influenced by Shlomo’s music,” said Bryna Wasserman, the co-director and former head of the Segal Centre, who now serves as the artistic director of New York’s National Yiddish Theatre.

The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre, named after Bryna’s late mother, is presenting this Yiddish version (with English and French supertitles) of the play. Written by Daniel S. Wise, with lyrics by David Shechter, Soul Doctor had its Broadway debut in the summer of 2013.

“I saw the Broadway version and met with the producers,” said Wasserman. “The fact we were able to get it to Montreal in such a short period after it played Broadway is really something. I am quite grateful. This opportunity, I believe, is win-win for all parties. While it is no longer on Broadway, there are things in the works that I am not at liberty to discuss now.”

Known as ‘The Singing Rabbi,’ Carlebach became the charismatic voice of the Jewish religious revival movement in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, creating a revolutionary musical sound that saw him perform with Bob Dylan, Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead.

Combining folk, pop and soul sounds with traditional Jewish music and liturgy, the modern-day troubadour travelled the world preaching love, redemption, humanity and peace.

“The music and journey of Rabbi Carlebach is one that will resonate strongly with our community,” said Wasserman. “In bringing this new musical to the Segal Centre in Yiddish, we have the exciting opportunity to capture the spiritual essence of his songwriting.”

Soul Doctor will be staged Monday through Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (1:30 p.m. on June 8). Tickets are $24. For information, call (514) 739-7944 or visit www.segalcentre.org.

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