Category: Couples

Couples, Night Out, Tu B'av

Tu B’Av Special: Dinner and a Show: How to plan a perfect date night in Jerusalem by Shira Potter

JET

Planning a great date can be a challenge, especially if you are looking for unique English entertainment in Jerusalem. Not to fear, the local English theatres are here to help.

Choosing a Show: Musical or Play? Drama or Comedy?

 Choosing a show can be confusing if you don’t know what you enjoy or what the plays are about. Don’t hesitate to look up the plot on Wikipedia or any other theater information page. No one will know and it can help you decide if you want to buy tickets. Check for any (adult) content that might not appeal to you or your companion.

The most important thing is to buy tickets in advance. The content of the show and the restaurant is irrelevant if your date can’t make it. Great seats don’t always cost more than the ones in the back rows or behind pillars, you just have to reserve them earlier. Some theatres don’t have assigned seats and all you have to do is get there earlier than everyone else, it’s always wise to check.

Take a look at the JET calendar to see what’s playing!

The “Dinner” Part

 Remember to check what time the show starts, if you go to a restaurant beforehand it is important to have time to finish your meal and arrive at the theatre with time to spare. Eating close to the theatre is best, that way you don’t need to move the car or stress about finding last minute parking.

Look up the location of a theatre on the JET listings of local productions.

Ask around for suggestions of restaurants in the area or search online. In case of emergency, ask the ticket office or someone involved with the production where to eat, they will know. Actors eat too.

Going out after a show can be great as well, hit up a local bar, restaurant or just wander the quiet enchanting streets of Jerusalem. If you plan on going out late to eat, make sure the place stays open in time for you to arrive before they close the kitchen. One bad way to end a date is to spend the whole night talking about a great place and then find it’s closed.

I know this sounds like a lot of work but if you took the time to read this whole article you probably have enough time. Click those links and take three minutes to text and check if someone you care about can make it. Someone just might want to join you on an evening journey to explore something new.

Community, Couples, Family, Guest post, Home, Starcatcher, Welcoming All

A Place to Call Home: Guest post by Rachel Sofaer

JET

When I think about the impact that community theatre has had on my life, the answer is one you may not expect. Of course, I love the actual process of being involved with a show, from the auditions to the rehearsals and the performances. Theatre has been my hobby since I was a kid and I’ve been involved with a number of different companies. However, what is different about the English community theatre scene in Jerusalem is that we are about more than the show. There is a sense of unity being among Israelis, many of which are Olim or children of Olim.

As an olah who made aliyah five years ago, this community has been my rock. I first discovered them when a friend told me about auditions for A Chorus Line, being produced by Encore Youth and Starcatcher. At the time, I was studying at a midrasha in Bat Ayin, which was rather isolated and, beyond the beautiful surroundings, there wasn’t much to do. I jumped at the opportunity to audition for this show, but I didn’t know what to expect. I arrived at auditions not knowing anyone, but people were welcoming and there was a friendly atmosphere.  I had the best audition of my life and I had a great feeling about this production. Little did I know that this would be my first of five shows working with Starcatcher. I had found my people.

After my first show, I wanted to see what else was out there so I went on to work with AACI and Beit Hillel and meet more people. When someone first moves to a country, it’s difficult to make friends and feel immediately comfortable. I believe that having a strong support system around you is vital. I made aliyah after living in Israel for a year, and one of the biggest reasons that made me feel I could be at home here was the theatre community. I didn’t feel like I was on my own because I not only saw my cast mates at rehearsals, but also at Shabbat meals and weekday hang outs. One of these get-togethers actually led me to meet my husband, Jojo, who came to see J-Town Playhouse’s production of Second Star to the Left. We happened to sit next to each other at dinner on closing night, he told me he was single, and we hit it off right away. All right, all Chicago references aside, it was a significant night for me, and one that wouldn’t have happened without the fact that theatre people have the urge to spend 24/7 together during a run.

Since that night, we have enjoyed countless chagim and Shabbatot together with our mutual friends from the theatre. We are both olim with a small number of relatives in Israel, so these people have really become like our family. People have given us advice about living in Israel and have always welcomed us into their homes (thanks Kaufmans).

I strongly encourage anyone that is looking for a wonderful group of people to not only perform with, but to build a life with, to check out the Jerusalem community theatre scene. It has been a life-changing experience for me and one I am eternally grateful for.