
At The Toronto Centre for the Arts (former Ford Centre) Studio Theatre. 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto o
		BIOGRAPHIES:	Current production's Bios	Past Productions' bios:
		CHAIM’S LOVE SONG Feb 27 to March 9, 2008 Julie Holdsworth* - KELLY BURKE This is Julie's début with TEATRON Theatre. She is excited to be working with such a talented group of artists. Some of Julie’s credits: FLOOD-A PLAY IN TEN ACTS, PERFECT STRANGERS and GROUND ZERO, M.O.W. AMERICA'S PRINCE, her television credits include: GOOSEBUMPS, DEAR AMERICA and THE FAMOUS JETT JACKSON. Irving Dobbs – CHAIM SHOTSKY Irving returns to TEATRON for his fourth production after appearing as Hellman in THIS NIGHT, Schlissel in THE TENTH MAN and Adolph Freitag in THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO. Born in Toronto, he is a graduate of Columbia University Theatre Arts Dept. Irving wrote, directed and performed in the variety show ROYAL BLUES in the RCAF between flying duties as a pilot. In New York he appeared in productions of COFFEE HOUSE, YELLOW JACKET, GOLD IN THE HILLS, EVANGELINE, THE LITTLE CLAY CART, and OUR HEARTS WERE YOUNG AND GAY. He adapted the book and stage managed the production of BELLE OF NEW YORK and directed and appeared in the Off-Broadway original musical TEXAS IS TOPS. In Toronto Irving has appeared as Gordon in DANGEROUS CORNER, Phil in JITTERS, Ben (lead) in NORMAN IS THAT YOU?, Doc in the TV movie TRANSPLANT and Merr in the short movie ROCK GARDEN that recently won the Global Audience Award for best short Film at the Slamdance Film Festival. He has also written several musicals and had many of his songs recorded by various artists and used in a movie. Jack Berke – OSCAR BIRNBAUM CHAIM’S LOVE SONG is Jack’s third appearance in a TEATRON Theatre production. His previous TEATRON Theatre productions include Hassid in THE CHOSEN and Alper in THE TENTH MAN. He has also appeared in DEPARTURES AND ARRIVAL, THE DREAMERS, THE MAD WOMAN OF CHAILLOT, and “NO BIG DEAL?” (Act II Studio); RUDDIGORE, H.M.S. PINAFORE, IOLANTHE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and MERRY WIDOW (Alexander Singers); JENUFA (C.O.C.); WAITING FOR WOLFGANG (Toronto Symphonietta); STIR FRY (2005 Toronto Fringe Festival); BRIGADOON (E.M.P.); INSANE UNCLE LEROY (Alumnae Theatre); and THE ACHING HEART OF SAMUEL KLEINERMAN (Medina Theatre). Jack thanks his wonderfully supportive wife and best friend, Madeline, who got him into this crazy business. Reva Lawry* – TZAWRAH SHOTSKY This is Reva’s second appearance with TEATRON Theatre, having appeared last season in the LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO. Her career spans over 40 years. She appeared in the Wayne & Shuster shows, in numerous commercials and studied with Michael Shurtleff in California during which time she appeared in the daytime series CAPITAL. Reva also toured for nine years with Theatre on the Move. She produced and directed Neil Simon’s COME BLOW YOUR HORN in Yiddish and English at the Limelight Dinner Theatre. Reva is pleased to be back working with Ari once again. Kivi Shapiro – REUBEN SHOTSKY Kivi recently moved to Toronto from London, Ontario, where he had the pleasure of working with groups including the London Community Players and the Or Shalom Theatre Troupe. Recent shows include THE PETRIFIED FOREST (Alan Squier), A ROSEN BY ANY OTHER NAME (Manny Boxbaum), SHADOWLANDS (Christopher Riley), THE GOD OF ISAAC (Isaac Adams), and VILLAGE OF IDIOTS (Yosef). Andria Siegler – OLD LADY, PEARL BRISISTSKY, RAIZEL BOKASH Andria is delighted to return to TEATRON Theatre after playing "Ma" in THE GOD OF ISAAC last season. Selected credits include "Karen" in JAKE'S WOMEN, "Aida" in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, "Judith" in MY DARLING JUDITH, and "Mrs. Margolin" in FORTY CARATS. She has also directed and performed in short pieces for the Cabbagetown Theatre Company over the years. In her real life, Andria's favorite roles are wife, mom and grandma, and she dedicates this performance to her loving husband, Neil, in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary. Leah Chwaiewsky – RACHEL SHOTSKY, SHANA SHOTSKY, FLIGHT ATTENDANT, SIMA SHERTOK This is Leah’s first production with TEATRON Theatre. Leah grew up in Winnipeg where she trained extensively in all forms of dance. She performed in several Rainbow Stage productions including: MY FAIR LADY, ANYTHING GOES, CAROUSEL, PETER PAN, and GUYS AND DOLLS. Leah also assisted in choreographing the opening and closing ceremonies for the Pan Am Games. She moved to Toronto about 5 years ago and enrolled in the professional program at Second City, specializing in improvisation. Leah is currently in pre-production for an evening of music and dance with all proceeds going to support women suffering from abuse. Enjoy the show! Carmi Yonah Sienna – YOUNG REUBEN This is Carmi’s TEATRON Theatre début. He has been in CharActors, and Toronto Youth Musical Theatre Company. And most recently played Ren McCormack in FOOTLOOSE with Avenue Road Arts School. Carmi is a grade 11 student at the Dragon Academy. During the year he takes voice and movement classes and sings in the award-winning Jewish community choir, Renanim. Carmi's family and Jewish heritage are central in his life. He enjoys roller blading, skiing, playing piano, and traveling with his family. Coming from musical theatre background, Carmi is thrilled to explore a new genre with TEATRON Theatre. Andrea Helfant (Andy) – YOUNG RACHEL This is Andy’s TEATRON Theatre’s début. She was highly acclaimed for her role as Ms. Hannigan in the production of ANNIE. Andy has always enjoyed drama and participated in different school and camp plays. She is in Grade 7 at USDS Bathurst Campus.			(as appeared at time of production) THIS NIGHT \|THE CHOSEN \| HOME OF THE BRAVE \|THE TENTH MAN \| THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO \| THE GOD OF ISAAC \| CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER \| CHAIM’S LOVE SONG \| A GLIMPSE OF THE LIGHT \| THE DYBBUK \| BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS

		Ari Weisberg - DIRECTOR / PRODUCER Ari’s directorship and design credits include EDMOND, THE MELVILLE BOYS, THE AFFECTIONS OF MAY, MURDER AMONG FRIENDS, THIS NIGHT, THE CHOSEN, THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG, HOME OF THE BRAVE, THE TENTH MAN, THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO, THE GOD OF ISAAC, CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER, CHAIM’S LOVE SONG. A GLIMPSE OF THE LIGHT and THE DYBBUK Ari is the founder and artistic director of TEATRON Toronto Jewish Theatre. He worked for 18 years as a director and a producer for television in Kingston, Ontario. Later he was able to come back to his first love, live theatre. Back to top

	Teatron Toronto Jewish Theatre \| Office 41 Warwick Ave. Toronto ON M6C 1T7 \| 416-781-5527 \| teatron@sympatico.ca Copyright 2009 (c) Teatron Theatre. Last Updated 07/01/2010