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CAST DIRECTOR Sam Wolfson and Bryan Fogel PRODUCTION TEAM PUBLICITY GRAPHIC DESIGN WEB DESIGN
Bryan Fogel (Chris O'Connell):
(The following is the transcript of the phone conversation between Bryan and Sam that occurred on March 13th, 2003 at 11:53pm as Bryan sat down at his computer to write his bio.)
Sam Wolfson (Adam Lipschitz):
(The following is the transcript of the phone conversation between Sam and Bryan three hours later as Sam sat down to write his bio.) Alan Charof (Rabbi Schlomo / Irving Lipschitz): Alan began his acting career in New York City in 1989. His stage credits include (In NY) Fiddler on the Roof, Life is A Dream, Sleeper Hold, (In LA), The Philadelphia Story, Breaking Legs, A Prayer For My Daughter (two productions), Awake and Sing, You Can't Take It With You, Sea of White Horses, The Piccaso Fiasco, Give the Bishop My Faint Regards, Fantastiks, The White Fences and Break(down) Room. He’s also appeared in 23 films and 11 TV shows Irina Pantaeva (Rachel): Irina is an International Supermodel. Born into a family of artists on the banks of Lake Baikai in Siberia, Irina has graced the pages of Vogue, Sports Illustrated, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and countless runways. Irina has appeared as John Lithogw’s love interest on 3rd Rock form the Sun, in Mortal Kombat Annihilation, Celebrity, Zoolander and opposite Al Pacino in the upcoming People I Know. Irina has been published as a writer for Vogue, Travel and Leisure, New York Post and many others. She has appeared on Oprah, The Academy Awards Telecast, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, Extra, Access Hollywood and many others. She has had stories written about her by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today and People. Irina has recently completed a book, Siberian Dream for Avon Publishers about the improbable adventures of a young Eskimo girl in the fashion capitals of the world. Irina wishes to thank Mitchell Stubbs, her husband Roland Levin and son Ruslan, and Mikhail Gorbachev for opening the Iron Curtain so that she could be on the stage of life. Lorry Goldman (Dennis Lipschitz / Party Guy): Lorry has appeared in Los Angeles in The Dead Boy at the Laurelgrove Theatre, Before You Go and other original works at the Playwrights Group, Women of Manhattan at the Zephyr, Peter Pan in Hollywood at the Skylight, Zen Boogie at the Canon, Once in a Lifetime at the Mark Taper Forum, and in projects at the Met, Alliance Theatre/1st Stage, and in the Taper II’s New Works Festival. He toured with Liza Minelli in The Act, playing the Shubert Theatre in Chicago and the Orpheum in San Francisco. New York appearances include performances at New Dramatists, the Actors Studio Workshop and with Milton Berle in Goodnight Grandpa at Entermedia/Off-Broadway. Numerous TV appearances include Will and Grace, CSI, Chicago Hope, opposite Richard Crenna in the mini-series Intruders, as Hal Linden’s personal manager in the series Jack’s Place, and as Dudley Moore’s best friend in the series Daddy’s Girls. Films include roles opposite Michael Lerner in Godzilla, Harvey Fierstein in Torch Song Trilogy, Chuck Norris in Hero and the Terror, and James Cromwell in The Rescue. Jackie Tohn (bad dates / Jill / Nurse / Allison): Jackie is thrilled to be eight parts part of Jewtopia. She is honored to work beside such amazing talent and such a creative writing staff under a director who is as inspiring as he is hilarious. Her television credits include episodes of "The Nanny", and "The Sopranos". She has done numerous pilots and has had two development deals; one of which was with Danny Jacobson for 20th Century Fox. Last year she played a man in a co-starring role opposite Dennis Leary and Elizabeth Hurley in the movie "Dawg". The year before, she played "Maryann" in the MGM film "Deuces Wild". On the stage, Jackie played "Tina" in "Tony-n-Tina's Wedding" at the Henry Fonda Theatre for the full run of the show. Most recently, she originated the role of "Joanie" in the Los Angeles version of "Body Snatchers : the Musical" at the Odyssey Theatre. You can see Jackie in various venues around Los Angeles singing her original music and accompanying herself on guitar. Huge thanks to Aggie Gold of Fresh Faces Agency for always believing in her and everyone at Rigberg Rugolo Entertainment; they're off to a great start. Finally, Jackie would like to take this opportunity to thank the two most marvelous people in the world ever, her mom, Bella, and her dad, Alan. They are her lighthouse. Jenni Pulos(Bad Dates/Nurse/Jill): This loony Greek is thrilled to have been brought into the belly of the Jew. Her one woman show "All about me" and comedy rap group sensation "Hot n' the Biscuit" have both received LA comedy picks of the week. She won first place on the world famous "Showtime at the Apollo" (tough crowd), as a hardcore rapping girl scout. Film credits include "The Bachelor", "Dog Gone Love", "Minimum Wage", "Meddle and Steal", "Big Time", "Too Smooth", "My Big Fat Detroit Wedding", "Sparkle and Charm", "Flamingo Dreams", "Colin Fitz","Candor City Hospital", and... okay, look she has done a bunch of movies you've never seen! Her TV credits include numerous guest stars and a couple random pilots but boy oh boy you should she her "almost" resume. She continues to pursue her passion project that she wrote and will star in with her husband "The Gordy and Lolly Movie" where she plays a 51 year old man, Gordy Burdis. This fall she is set to star in the mocumentary "Nigga Please". Special thanks to her amazing Mom and Sister, her supportive friends, the Independent Group for "believing", her fantastic coach Nancy Scanlon, and her husband Chris Elwood who is her inspiration. Shalom! Cheryl David (Marcy Cohen / Arlene Lipschitz): Cheryl is thrilled to be back on the stage here in Los Angeles after finishing a successful run in"Hot L Baltimore". She is a veteran stage actress, best known for her work in New York theater in such plays as: "The World Goes Round", "Coupla White Chicks...", "The Importance of Being Earnest","The Matchmaker", and "Fiddler On The Roof". She can be seen in many commercials and has done several television guest appearances. But, being a Jewish Mom, on and off the stage is truly her greatest pleasure! Linda Shing (Rachel): is the recipient of the Geraldine Page Best Actress Award for her starringrole in the indie hit "Mud Season," which also garnered numerous Best Feature and Best Director awards. She recently starred in "Butterfly Men,"which was shot in Cambodia and has won three international film festivals so far. Next on her indie film slate is a lead role in "The Children in the Mirror," a horror film which shares some of the stars of "Better Luck Tomorrow." Linda also recurs on "ER" and has extensive credits in New York and L.A. theatre. She loves traveling, martial arts, dogs, and her wacky but loyal circle of single friends who really should check out J-Date....... Andy Fickman (director):
Andy directed REEFER MADNESS (both the LA and NYC productions),
which swept the Los Angeles Drama Critics, Backstage West Garland,
and Ovation awards. Andy garnered "Best Director" honors
from each organization. While Off-Broadway REEFER MADNESS picked
up two Drama Desk Nominations. Currently Andy continues his connection
to the REEFER family by prepping to helm both the Canadian tour
as well as the feature film version. He recently completed production
on his directorial feature film debut, a teen comedy, based on his
screenplay WHO'S YOUR DADDY? for Middle Fork Productions. Andy continues
his working relationship with Middle Fork Productions as a writer
and director on the romantic-comedy SMITTEN and the family comedy
PET SHRINK. Additionally for Middle Fork, Andy is writing the sci-fi
western MEXICAN HAT. As a writer/director he's been working on the
VH-1 Original Film - IT'S ONLY ROCK & ROCK. He has just been
set to direct the indie romantic-comedy THE TENSION RING as well
as the family comedy PSYCHO BUNNIES for Storyopolis Productions.
Additionally Andy has pacted with Storyopolis and producers Dana
Barron and Mike Butkis to co-create and write/direct the kids animated
series FART MONSTERS (aka CRUDSTERS). Andy is also serving as Executive
Producer on Paramount's thriller, THE SOMNAMBULIST. He was an Associate
Producer on Columbia Pictures' hit film ANACONDA, Additional projects
for Andy have included: writing the screenplay DARKNESS RUNNING
for Columbia Pictures based upon his original pitch, writing the
Paula Abdul television pilot SKIRTS for MTV, and developing a half-hour
sitcom for Acme Productions, 20th Century Fox and the WB. Previously,
Andy served as Vice President for Bette Midler's All Girl Productions
where he was the Executive on CBS' critically acclaimed production
of GYPSY, and Disney's HOCUS POCUS, and MAN OF THE HOUSE. Before
working with Bette, Andy was Vice President of Development for Gene
Wilder's Pal-Mel Productions. While there, he worked on Tri-Star's
ANOTHER YOU and Paramount Picture's FUNNY ABOUT LOVE. Andy was a
founding member and Managing Director of the critically acclaimed
and award-winning Fountainhead Theatre Company. Andy has directed
theatre on stages through out the United States. Some of Andy's
directing credits include the world premieres of THE GIFT, DENYING
PARK AVENUE, THE MARRIEDS, and WE THE PEOPLE. Additional regional
credits include FORTINBRAS GETS DRUNK, DAY ROOM, J.B., and A WEEKEND
NEAR MADISON. Andy was also co-creator of the improv company WITHOUT
ANNETTE. Andy is in development with MAD TV alum Kathryn Fiore on
her One-Woman Show. Currently Andy is in production on his next
big musical-comedy...a gothic-horror-romance set against the pageantry
of the Ice Capades - SNEAUX which opens in June at the Matrix Theatre.
Sam Wolfson and Bryan Fogel: JEWTOPIA is their mad creation. This is Sam and Bryan’s first play they have written together. Jewtopia 2- The Followship of the Jew and Jewtopia 3- The Return of the Gentile are already in its planning stages with Jewtopia cast action figures to follow. Frank Yablans (executive producer): Frank Yablans worked in motion picture sales and marketing before being named president of Paramount Pictures in 1969. During his tenure, the studio released a slew of highly successful and acclaimed pictures, including "The Godfather", "Serpico" , "Paper Moon", "The Godfather II", "Chinatown", “The Great Gadsby” and "Murder on the Orient Express" He then worked as an independent producer, counting among his credits "Silver Streak" , "The Fury", “The Other Side of Midnight” "North Dallas Forty" and "Mommie Dearest" (co-authored the screenplays for "North Dallas Forty" and "Mommie Dearest") ”Monsignor”, “The Star Chamber” and “Kidco” Brought to MGM/United Artists and named Chief Operating Officer in 1983, Yablans instituted a massive reorganization at the ailing studio. In recent years he has produced “Buy and Cell”, “Lisa”, “Congo” and “A Dog of Flanders” among others. Rand
Ryan (light design): Productions include “mayham”“Dog
Mouth”,“Don Carlos”, “Saved”, “The
Berlin Circle”, “One Flea Spare”, “No Orchids
for Miss Blandish”, and “Flow My Tears, the Policeman
Said” at the Evidence Room, where he is a company member.
Working primarily in the Los Angeles area, he has also designed
theater, dance, and opera productions in New York, Seattle, Montreal
and throughout Europe. For the late director Reza Abdoh his work
included “The Hip-Hop Waltz of Eurydice”, “Bogeyman”,
“The Law of Remains” and “Tight Right White”.
Other recent productions include “Good Thing” for the
Taper New Works Festival and three Murray Mednick plays for Padua
Playwrights Productions. His designs have also been seen at San
Jose Rep, the Court Theater, the Actor’s Gang, the Tiffany
Theater, the Museum of Contemporary Art, A Noise Within, Deaf West
Theater Company, Taper, Too, and in several musicals for Cabrillo
Music Theater in Thousand Oaks. Desma Murphy (set design): is thrilled to be collaborating on this production. Her recent LA credits include: (The Road Theatre Company) The Woman in Black, Napoli Millionaria, Mislaid Heaven, Tainted Blood, The Angels of Lemnos, Ballad Hunter, Hitler’s Head, David & Goliath, (GRT) Heather Went Everywhere, Women of Worth, and Mid Summer Nights Dream. NY credits include: Arcadia, Marat/Sade, A Winter’s Tale, June Moon and others. Honest it’s Abe (Florida). She has been blessed to have received two Ovation Awards, LA weekly Best Production design Award, Backstage West Garland Award Honorable Mention, ADA Award, Drama Critics Circle Award, Robby Award nomination. A few of her Film and TV credits include: Asst. Art Director for Stuart Little II, and Looney Tunes Back in Action – due to come out this year. Art director for Nickelodeon’s Amanda Show, All That, and Kenan & Kel. She holds an MFA in Set Design from NYU and a BFA and BA in Architecture from Parsons School of Design and Whittier College. She loves to create environments that take you away to another place and time – may you enjoy the journey. She would like to thank her family and friends for there continuing support an love – they inspire her everyday – love to you all. Meredith B. Robinson
(casting director): One of the seventeen
actual natives of Los Angeles, Meredith is a graduate of Skidmore
College, where she studied English Literature and Theater. Prior
to her eight years in casting, she worked in just about every area
of the industry, ranging from working at a literary agency to actressing,
associate-producing documentaries, production coordinating commercials,
producing spots for MTV's "Rock The Vote" campaign and
even working as Jerry Stiller's line coach on SEINFELD. In 1999,
A PERFECT LITTLE MAN, the short film she cast and produced, was
nominated for the Discovery Award at the Hollywood Film Festival.
Her various levels of casting credits include INSPECTOR GADGET 2,
WHO’S YOUR DADDY? (directed by Andy Fickman), TOWN AND COUNTRY,
INSTINCT, BEVERLY HILLS NINJA, TRAPPED IN A PURPLE HAZE and EXECUTION
OF JUSTICE. She has worked with such directors as Alex Zamm, Peter
Chelsom, Jon Turteltaub, Dennis Dugan, Eric Laneuville and Leon
Ichaso. This year, she cast and is currently producing Andy Fickman’s
next musical, SNEAUX, which will open mid- June. JEWTOPIA is her
second play and third project with Mr. Fickman. She is thrilled
to be working with him again in the company of this talented cast
and crew, and thanks Bryan and Sam for giving her this wonderful
opportunity. Ann Closs-Farley
(costume design)has been designing for LA theater for the
past ten years. Her recent credits include...MAYHEM,ORLANDO, HOLLYWOOD
BURNING, CRINGE, THE 99 CENT ONLY SHOW, MEPHISTO, THE SEAGULL, EXONERATED.
She has also earned high praise and many awards for her work in
DON CARLOS, SAVED, FLOW MY TEARS, EUPHORIA, PLASTICA FANTASTICA,ILLUSION,
BROADWAY, BATBOY "THE MUSICAL", XXX LOVE ACT, CINDERELLA
MEDEA MACBETH, BROADWAY and "UGLY'S 1ST WORLD. She would like
to thank her family and the La Theater community for their endless
love and support. Jonathan Everett (prop master): Upon graduation of high school Jonathan just recently moved to Los Angles to pursue his career in acting. Upon arrival he marked his first role in the Disney's Production of "Holes" where he played one of the prison boys. That role was quickly followed with "Abel Edwards", which can be seen at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. Then shooting a National AT&T commercial, and finishing his first year in Los Angeles up with his most recent film "Freedoms Gate". His Theatre credits include: "A Christmas Carol", "Guys and Dolls", "Annie", and "How to succeed in Business Without Really Trying". back to top^John Mitchell (assistant producer): John grew up in New York City and is a veteran of the theatre. After landing off Broadway and Broadway roles in Pvt. Wars, The Seagull, Macbeth, Agnes of God, Play it again Sam and Burn This, John shifted focus to direct regional theatre in Denver and Jacksonville, FL. He has directed Guys and Dolls, Raggedy Anne and an original play he wrote, How I Learned to Lie by not even Having to Try. After being involved in a near death fishing accident in Jacksonville, John decided to shift his focus to producing and moved to Los Angeles three years ago. This is his first production since his recovery and he is happy to be learning and functioning again. Ernie Brodsky: (asso producer, advertising and group sales) Ernie, perhaps the only Jew who can call Fargo, North Dakota his hometown, has been involved in group sales and marketing on many national projects and for many theatre organizations. A true philanthropist and tireless charity event worker, He has assisted with the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, The Make a Wish Foundation and the National Center for Carbon Monoxide Research. When Ernie is not out fundraising and selling tickets for Jewtopia, he loves to snowmobile and has just joined Los Angeles’ only curling club. Ernie would to thank Joel Goldstein for teaching him the ropes. Joel Goldstein (asso.
producer, fundraising, advertising and group sales): This
is Joel’s first theatre production and he is happy to be of
help. A friend of Bryan and Sam, Joel fell in love with Jewtopia
the moment he read it and has been a true asset to the production
ever since. A native of Colorado, Joel has a love of the outdoors
and is an avid skier and cyclist. Having recently quit the corporate
world, he is thrilled to be involved with such a creative project.
He would like to thank Ernie Brodsky, who he met through the production
for helping whenever there was a crunch and his two loyal dogs Fuji
and Alex.
Jill Fogel-JUMP Visual
Design Studio (Web Site Design): A
full service design agency offering corporate identitly, web, multi-media
and computer based training. |