Jewish Family Theatre

Celebrating Creativity and Community at Jewish Family Theatre

At the Weinstein JCC, we take pride in being the only Jewish theatre in the Richmond area. Through our Jewish Family Theatre (JFT), we produce and present plays that not only connect Jews to their cultural community but also build bridges to others, fostering understanding and unity.

JFT is a talented group that amplifies the incredible creativity present in our community. Our mission is to encourage individuals to explore art in their own lives through affordable, high-quality theatrical experiences. As a true community theatre, JFT operates on an all-volunteer basis, welcoming friends of all ages and ethnicities, from beginners to experienced professionals, to learn, enjoy, and actively participate in all aspects of our live theatre productions.

About the Director

Leading the way is our esteemed Director, Debra Clinton, a respected theatre artist in the Richmond community for over 30 years. Debra’s multifaceted career encompasses performing, directing, writing, and teaching theatre. Her directorial credits span prestigious venues such as Virginia Repertory Theatre, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond Triangle Players, Dogwood Dell, and numerous productions at the JCC, including her work on the inclusive theatre program, Kesem. Debra’s artistic contributions have been recognized with awards, including the 2013 Theresa Pollack Award for excellence in theatre and a Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Award for her libretto and lyrics in the original musical, Croaker, created in collaboration with composer Jason Marks.

By day, Debra extends her passion for theatre as a dedicated theatre instructor in Hanover County, sharing her love and knowledge with aspiring artists. Her commitment and enthusiasm for the arts are truly commendable. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her supportive family, who have always grounded her, and to everyone at the Weinstein JCC who wholeheartedly supports the arts and the remarkable work done by Jewish Family Theatre.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the joy of theatre, explore Jewish cultural connections, and foster community bonds through the arts. Keep an eye out for our upcoming productions and opportunities to get involved. Together, let’s continue to nurture creativity and strengthen our collective spirit.

For more information about Jewish Family Theatre and our upcoming events, please contact Debra Clinton at [email protected]

Thank you for your continued support and for being an integral part of our vibrant artistic community.

Audition Call: Guys & Dolls

Virtual Submissions Now Open — Through September 12

JFT is excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of Guys & Dolls, running December 4–14 at the Weinstein JCC.

Directed by Deb Clinton, with choreography by Pam Turner and musical direction by Kevin Barger, this beloved Broadway classic will feature a tight ensemble of strong singers and actors who move well. Some dance will be required for callbacks.

Rehearsals begin on or around October 12

Monday–Thursday evenings & Sunday afternoons

Callbacks: Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, September 15 (in person)

HOW TO AUDITION

Submit a 1–2 minute video of a classic Broadway-style uptempo or ballad (as outlined in the Cast Breakdown).

Please use instrumental accompaniment or a backing track (no vocals).

Send your submission to: [email protected]

Questions? Contact Director Deb Clinton at [email protected]

Featured Roles Include:

  • Nicely-Nicely Johnson – high-spirited and sincere; strong comedic timing
  • Sarah Brown – idealistic mission worker with strong vocal chops
  • Sky Masterson – suave and confident gambler with a heart
  • Miss Adelaide – bold, stubborn, and hilariously lovable
  • Nathan Detroit – scheming yet lovable craps game organizer
  • Benny Southstreet, Big Jule, Harry the Horse, Lt. Brannigan, Arvide Abernathy – all bring character and charm to this vibrant world
  • Ensemble – singers and dancers of all types and ages: Hot Box Girls, Crap Shooters, Mission Band, Cuban Dancers, and more!
  • Click here for more detailed cast breakdown.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the stage, we encourage you to audition. Join us for a high-energy, joy-filled production that brings this Broadway favorite to life!

Performance Dates & Production Details

Guys and Dolls is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. When it opened on Broadway in 1950, Guys and Dolls ran for 1,200 performances, receiving nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and winning a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks and Oliviers. Frequently revived, the show has been done with numerous all-star casts, including productions/concerts featuring Ewan McGregor, Jane Krakowski, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Jessica Biel. 

With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City. Eventually everyone ends up right where they belong!

Directed by Debra Clinton
Musical Directon by Kevin Barger
Choreography by Pam Turner

Thursday, December 4

7:30 PM

Saturday, December 6

7:30 PM

Sunday, December 7

3:00 PM

Wednesday, December 10

7:30 PM

Thursday, December 11

7:30 PM

Saturday, December 13

7:30 PM

Sunday, December 14

3:00 PM

7:30 PM

7:30 PM

3:00 PM

7:30 PM

7:30 PM

7:30 PM

3:00 PM

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