Jewsical Theater: Bringing Broadway to Your Religious School Classroom

By ISJL Education Fellow Isaac Gamoran
 
What is the value of teaching theater to students? The theater presents us with something very unique: a live glimpse into life during another place and time. Sitting in a theater, we allow ourselves the opportunity to experience events live with real or fictional characters. These events expand upon our own understanding of the time period and provide us with an opportunity to relate the stories to our own lives. For students, theater opens their eyes to the depth and breadth of life in the Jewish experience. Beyond theater itself, musical theater offers the opportunity of infusing music into the classroom. As a religion centered around music, Judaism can be seen and heard through the melodies and harmonies of our voices. By bringing musical theater into class, teachers and students will see the importance of music beyond conventional prayers and songs.
 
Below are three musicals that highlight important aspects of Judaism and are likely to make considerable contributions to the year!
 

1. Fiddler on the Roof: This show might be the most renowned show relating to Jewish culture. Fiddler on the Roof takes place in a fictional shtetl (village or town in Eastern Europe) named Anatevka and follows the lives of Jews as they balance tradition with the changing landscape around them. Tevye the milkman, father of five daughters, confronts the realization that life will not be the same for him as it is for his offspring. Each daughter falls in love contrary to Tevye’s hopes, and he must grapple with change as his daughters live out their dreams. Show stoppers such as “Tradition”, “If I Were A Rich Man”, and “Matchmaker” demonstrate these themes and more. The show illustrates hardship, love, celebration, and tradition as values central to Jewish life at the onset of the twentieth century. These themes are essential to life then, but relate just as well to today. In bringing this show to class, students will better understand the longevity of Jewish life and see the experiences that shaped Judaism into what it is today. Furthermore, Fiddler on the Roof has been adapted to Yiddish by Oscar and Tony-award winner Joel Grey. Discussing the new Yiddish adaptation could further immerse students in shtetl life and allow for a richer understanding of what it means to be Jewish.

 

1. Falsettos: Falsettos presents a satirical perspective of a Jewish family during the onset of the AIDS epidemic in the Big Apple in the 1980s. The story opens with “Four Jews in a Room Bitching”, as Marvin, his son Jason, his psychiatrist Mendel, and his boyfriend Whizzer are engaged in a heated argument. Hence, Falsettos presents debate as a central component of the Jewish experience. The show also teaches about love and family, as Marvin navigates his own sexuality and attraction towards Whizzer and the impact that it will have on his son. Like Fiddler on the Roof, this story also illustrates the value of tradition, though Falsettos focuses on the more modern identity of being Jewish in New York City. From baseball to Bar Mitzvahs, the piece demonstrates the diversity of ways in which Jews choose to practice and relate Judaism to their own lives. Given the mature material in Falsettos, this show would be best suited for older students.

 

1. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Last, but certainly not least, this musical focuses on the story of Joseph in the Torah! With a beautiful soundtrack and stunning stage direction, Joseph walks the viewer through the titular hero’s life. The plot mainly addresses Joseph's early years in Jacob’s family, his brothers selling the favored son into slavery, and Joseph ultimately rising to power as vizier to Pharaoh. From the Book of Genesis, the story of Joseph truly comes to life through this production. Using Joseph in the classroom could allow teachers to integrate music and energy into the Torah tale. Whether reading the lyrics to different songs or watching clips from the show, students could gain a better understanding of the mind and emotions of this Biblical hero. Moreover, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat teaches Jewish values of family, betrayal, and forgiveness, which could easily be brought into class for students both younger and older.

 
There are plenty of other theatrical musicals that also supplement Jewish education. To name a few, consider learning more about Ragtime, Rags, Cabaret, or Parade. Educators can follow this link for more inspiration. Hopefully, these shows will help bring our religious schools “To Life” one student at a time!