CROSSING DELANCEY

Center Players is extremely pleased to present this delightful, premiere presentation for the opening of Freehold's new Center Playhouse.

RUN: March 3, 2001 - April 1, 2001

SYNOPSIS: CROSSING DELANCY is a charming, romantic comedy set in present day New York City. The play explores the age old traditional roles of women as expressed by Bubbie, the lovable, feisty, sharp-witted grandma in her eighties contrasted by the liberated options of the "new woman" explored by her "twenty-something" granddaughter Isabelle "Izzy" Grossman. When Bubbie and the matchmaker Hannah try to arrange a date for Izzy with Sam, the local pickleman, a generational and cultural clash erupts! Isabelle has ideas of her own but the conflict is resolved with a generous dose of humor, affection, and wisdom. Crossing Delancey is a production all ages can enjoy together!

Crossing Delancey was first presented at the Jewish Repertory Theatre in New York City, April 25, 1985 to very favorable reviews. Susan Sandler adapted her stage play for the screen with the 1988 Warner Brother movie of the same title, starring Amy Irving as the independent bookish dreamer.

	Kathleen Aiellos as "Izzy" Kathleen is thrilled to be making her debut with Center Players and to be a part of the grand opening of the Center Playhouse. She has a B.A. in Performing Arts from Stockton State College, and has spent the last nine years pursuing her acting career. Some of her favorite roles include Babe in Crimes of the Heart, Mrs. Zero in The Adding Machine, and Quince in A Midsummer Nights Dream. She would like to thank her family and friends for their never ending supply of encouragement and love. She dedicates this show to her real life "Bubbie", her grandma.
	Betty Rovell as "Bubbie" This is Betty’s first appearance with Center Players and she’s thrilled to be part of this wonderful production. Betty has appeared in many plays both in Northern & Central New Jersey, most recently Little Women and Arsenic and Old Lace. Some of her other appearances have been in Moon Over Buffalo, Daughters, Hot L Baltimore, Equus and Shadow Box. She also most recently directed Tribute and hopes to direct again soon. Betty says that in doing this play she has come to realize that no matter what your ethnic background is, all Grandmas, Nanas, Bubbies, and so on, are basically the same, and she dedicates her performance to all of them.
	Joan Lopatin as "Hannah" Although the role of Hannah is her debut appearance at Center Players, she is a seasoned player with over six decades of experience. A member of several choral groups, Joan is credited with performances in operettas, oratorios and solo work. She has also achieved critical acclaim performing countless lead and supportive roles in community theatres in California and New Jersey. Among some productions, Three Penny Opera, Fiddler on the Roof, Medea, and The Rose Tattoo.
	Geoff Shields as "Tyler" A Colts Neck native, Geoff studied theatre at Brookdale Community College and San Francisco State University. After graduating, Geoff was a founding member of San Francisco's Reflex Action Theatre. He went on the perform with numerous companies in the Bay Area including the Magic Theatre, Berkley Repertory Theatre, Marin Theatre Company and Haight Ashbury Rep. After four years working and living in France, Geoff is happy to be back home in Monmouth County, teaching at Brookdale in the Speech and Writing departments. Cous Cous Les Enfants! Je vous aime! "Daddy Chosette"
	Warren Rubenstein as "Sam" Pleased to be making his debut with Center Players in Crossing Delancy, Warren has appeared in many productions with The Marlboro Players, most recently as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz and Herbie in Gypsy. Thanks to the cast and crew for this opportunity to play the part of Sam in this great play. As always, Warren would like to thank his daughters, Jaime and Marissa, and his extremely patient wife, Robin, for their unending support and love during yet another show. When the show is over, I promise, there will be no more pickle smell in the house. Break a leg everyone!
BEHIND THE SCENES:
	Bernice Garfield, Director Bernice is Center Players' V.P. of Community Development. She is a counselor in private practice in Marlboro. Bernice has taught art and drama and uses psychodrama in her work. She is the Chairperson of the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Committee and serves on the Cultural Arts Committee of the Freehold Center Partnership.
	David Sorin, Director David is the President of Center Players, a resident of Howell and owner of Sorin Productions Inc. in Freehold. He has been producing, acting and directing in community theater since 1992. David is co-founder of Center Players and Chairperson of the Freehold Center Partnership's Cultural Arts Committee