A Shayna Maidel by The Autumn Players

The Autumn Players return in March with a new Readers Theatre Showcase production.

Since its opening in 1985 A Shayna Maidel, written by Barbara Lebow, has impressed audiences around the country. The story centers on two sisters, Rose and Lusia Weiss, who are reunited in the aftermath of the holocaust.

As the play opens we are introduced to Rose (played by Mara Breindal), who has spent nearly her whole life in New York and remembers little about her sister or her family's native Poland. Rose wears makeup, jewelry, and attractive clothes, has her own apartment, dates, and by all accounts is "Americanized."

One day her father Mordechai (played by Arnold Sgan) surprises Rose with the news he has found her long-lost sister Lusia (played by Thelma Cousins) and that she will be visiting America.

At first uncomfortable with each other, Rose and Lusia grow close as they share their stories and memories.

Now A Shayna Maidel comes to ACT with RoseLynn Katz directing a talented cast featuring Mara Breindel, Ben Oliver, Thelma Cousins, Kermit Brown, Eileen Walkenstein, Arnold Sgan, and Beth Ely.


Performance dates are Friday and Saturday, March 5-6 at ACT's 35below and Sunday, March 7 at The Reuter Center. All show times are 2:30pm.

Tickets at 828-254-1320 or at the door. $5.