The Jazz Singer shimmies into the Segal Center.

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts presents the musical version of The Jazz Singer, a Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre production. The play that inspired the 1927 Hollywood film starring Al Jolson and that signaled the transition to sound films.

Segal Centre resident composer and lyricist, Elan Kunin, adapted the original 1925 play by Samson Raphaelson. The multi-talented Kunin wrote the music and lyrics and also plays the lead role in this world premiere of the musical version of The Jazz Singer, the story of a cantor’s son whose dream of making it big on Broadway challenges his father’s wishes. “The generational conflict between Old World traditions and American acculturation explored in The Jazz Singer still resonates strongly today....” says Bryna Wasserman, Artistic Director. "...An immensely talented design team brings our Yiddish production of this timeless piece to life, through the creative set design of John C. Dinning, first-rate musical direction by John Gilbert and stunning choreography by Jim White."

Director Bryna Wasserman blends community cultural theatre with a professional cast that includes some of Canada’s finest performers, as well as emerging talent from diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the Segal Centre’s mission to build intercultural bridges through the arts. The costumes by James Lavoie are outstanding and the stage design is magnificent with multiple set changes that include a revolving stage. The band of musicians are in great form and the tunes very timely remaining true to the times of the period yet still catchy. A very large cast, at times overcrowding the stage, belt out the songs with compassion as they dance along with great passion. The ensemble is well cast with stand out performances delivered by Elan Kunin, David Bushman, Nadia Verrucci, Lisa Rubin, and Chris Barillaro.

Playing June 6 to 27 to sold out houses this is a gem that you don't want to miss. Presented in Yiddish with translation into English and French. Most of the dialogue in in Yiddish however a lot of the musical lyrics remain in English. GO C IT!