In a world increasingly marred by a disturbing resurgence of antisemitism, the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) continues to shine a light on the power of art and culture to overcome darkness. The NYTF is thrilled to announce the complete casting for its upcoming world premiere musical, Amid Falling Walls (Tsvishn Falndike Vent), a remarkable journey to shed light on the triumph of the human spirit.
This world premiere musical – by the company that brought you Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish and HARMONY – honors the resilience and hope of those who endured during the Holocaust as portrayed through the power of Yiddish song. The heart of the production lies in its cast, an ensemble of talented performers who will bring this poignant narrative to life.
Among the cast is the gifted actor Steven Skybell, whose stellar work as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish won accolades and whose commitment to the production is deeply rooted in his passion for the story being told.
Steven Skybell in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish © Jeremy Daniel
“What drew me to wanting to be a part of the production of Amid Falling Walls is that the chance to shine a light on the young men and women who experienced the grim realities of the ghettos and the Holocaust, and who were able to make music in the face of all that. It is definitely a story worth telling.”
The cast also features Dani Apple (NYTF: The Sorceress), Jacob Ben-Shmuel (National Tour: The Book of Mormon), Yael Eden Chanukov (NYTF: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish; TV: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), Abby Goldfarb (NYTF: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, Harmony), Eli Mayer (Regional: Ride the Cyclone, Footloose), Daniella Rabbani (NYTF: Gimpel Tam, Hershele Ostropolyer, The Golden Land), John Reed (Regional: Something Rotten!, Guys and Dolls), Mikhl Yashinsky (NYTF: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, The Sorceress), and Rachel Zatcoff (Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera; NYTF: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish).
In addition to the remarkable cast, the creative team behind the production promises to deliver a visually and emotionally stunning experience. From the director’s visionary guidance to the choreographer’s meticulous work, every aspect of the show is carefully crafted to do justice to the profound narrative it represents.
Amid Falling Walls is curated and arranged by NYTF’s Artistic Director Zalmen Mlotek; curated and written by Avram Mlotek, a rabbi, cantor, licensed social worker, author of two books, and grandchild of noted Yiddish culturists; and directed by Motl Didner (NYTF: The Golden Bride, The Megile of Itzik Manger).
The creative team for Amid Falling Walls (Tsvishn Falndike Vent) features scenic design by Jessica Alexandra Cancino, costume design by Izzy Fields, lighting design by Yael Lubetzky, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier, and projection design by Brad Peterson. The Assistant Scenic Designer is Madeline Goddard. Choreography is by Tamar Rogoff. Orchestrations are by Frank London and Michael Winograd. The production Stage Manager is Jason Brouillard. The Assistant Stage Manager is Robert Cott. Production Management is by TINC Productions (Duncan Northern, Joshua Bernard, Madilyn Keller). Casting is by Jamibeth Margolis, CSA. The casting Assistant is Meredith Hoddeson.
This powerful new show promises to be a testament to resilience. It is a unique opportunity to revisit the rich cultural heritage of Yiddish songs and stories, told in the language in which they were originally composed. It is a chance to reflect on the power of art to transcend even the bleakest of circumstances and to celebrate the enduring human spirit.
“With an increased rise of antisemitism in the world, it’s important to remember and celebrate the great triumph of the spirit that is in these stories and songs, and the horror they endured,” Skybell says. “The opportunity to perform this piece at the Museum of Jewish Heritage is not only hopefully a deeply rewarding theatrical event, but also a necessary cultural remembrance that needs to honor the lives of those who were lost.”
Amid Falling Walls will play a limited four-week-only engagement from November 14 through December 10 at Edmond J. Safra Hall at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust (36 Battery Place). Opening night is November 20, 2023. Tickets for the musical, performed in Yiddish with English subtitles, are on sale now at CLICK HERE
