Viewfinder: Midwest Premiere of 'New Jerusalem' Coming to the JET

The Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company (JET) in West Bloomfield is deep in preparations for its upcoming opening of David Ives' stunning play, New Jerusalem, The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza at Talmud Torah Congregation: Amsterdam, July 27, 1656.

That's a mouthful of a title, to be sure, and might sound a little daunting to theater-lovers looking for an evening of escapism and entertainment. However, missing this one because of a convoluted title would be a mistake. While I was shooting photos at a rehearsal Sunday evening, the actors captured my attention totally and made the story seem current, relevant and fascinating. The tale of intellectual persecution is tempered by humor and enhanced by the very natural personal relationships between the characters.

The show is directed by theatre veteran David Magidson. In addition to his position as artistic director of the JET company for the past two years, Magidson is a professor of theater at Wayne State University and has directed nearly 80 plays for many different theatre companies.

Magidson told us, "New Jerusalem is an interesting play that's only been done six or seven times in the United States. The JET production is the Midwest premiere of the script."

The JET is the only professional equity theatre in West Bloomfield, and one of only two in Oakland County. The theatre has been named an anchor organization by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and has been lauded for its outreach programs designed for local schools.

"New Jerusalem" will be performed in the Aaron Deroy Theatre in the Jewish Community Center on the corner of Drake and Maple roads in West Bloomfield. Opening night is March 16, and the show runs through April 10. Tickets are on sale now. Call 248-788-2900 to make reservations.