PHOTO SLIDESHOW: First Rehearsal for ‘My Name Is Asher Lev’ at the Fountain Theatre

Actors Joel Polis, Jason Karasev, and Anna Khaja.

An exciting new journey began Saturday at the Fountain Theatre. Actors, director and production team members gathered for the first rehearsal of our next production launching our new 2014 Season: the Los Angeles premiere of My Name is Asher Lev, adapted by Aaron Posner from the beloved best-selling book by Chaim Potok (The Chosen). Previews begin February 15th, it opens February 22nd and runs to April 19th.

The talented cast includes Jason Karasev, Anna Khaja and Joel Polis. Directed by Stephen Sachs, My Name Is Asher Lev is the powerful coming-of-age story of a Jewish boy’s struggle to become an artist against the will of his Orthodox parents, community and tradition. Asher Lev could be the next Picasso. But as the son of devout Hasidic parents who struggle to understand the value of his art, Asher Lev is torn apart. He knows he is commanded to honor his parents, but he must also be true to himself. As we glimpse the pieces of Asher’s painful past, we witness events that climax in his most famous work and the decision that will change his life forever. A recent hit Off-Broadway and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play and the John Gassner Award.

Joel Polis and Anna Khaja.

At this first meeting at the Fountain, Director Stephen Sachs spoke about the play and shared the design concepts for the production. Two sample selections from the beautiful original music score by Lindsay Jones were played. Then the actors read the script. What a thrill to hear the powerful and moving play come alive as read by this fine, gifted trio of actors.

Fountain audiences will be in for a real treat when the production opens next month to launch our new 2014 Season. Tickets to My Name Is Asher Lev are on sale and we’re already booking reservations and group sales. Don’t miss out — get your tickets now!