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December 5, 2003/Kislev 10 5764, Vol. 56, No.11
Playwright's 'Shmulnik's Waltz' brought to life at AJTC
JESSICA BARBER
Staff Writer
The Arizona Jewish Theatre Company continues its 2003-2004 season with "Shmulnik's Waltz," a romantic comedy by playwright Allan Knee.
Knee, who wrote the play in the early 1990s, is delighted that AJTC has chosen to include his play in its schedule.
"When a play is published by a publishing house, you have no control over who does it," says Knee. "I was delighted that the AJTC actually called me and wanted to talk. They made it personal."
"Shmulnik's Waltz" follows the loveable but frumpy hero, Shmulnik, as he meets the girl of his dreams in turn-of-the-century Russia. His heart is crushed when his love emigrates to America with her family. Shmulnik, willing to go to any length for love, embarks on a journey spanning "old world" Russia and "new world" America in a quest to be reunited.
The play stars Christopher Williams as Shmulnik. Williams has most recently appeared in the AJTC's production of "The Chosen" and has performed with the theater at Scottsdale Community College. Other local cast members include David Barker, Katherine Stewart, Heather Massie, Christopher Mascarelli, Tina Khalil and Boyd Branch.
The play was Knee's second attempt at Jewish theater, a subject he broached to satisfy a personal goal.
"It became a personal thing for me to read and delve into Jewish folklore, Jewish customs and read Jewish writers," he says. "I began writing to get in touch with myself as a Jew. ... I wasn't looking for something commercial."
However, the play caught more attention than Knee ever suspected.
"It was the first play I did that got good reviews," he recalls. "I thought they'd never like me. I really had no expectations."
Since its opening, the play has been shown in New York City and Florida, where Knee's father first saw his son's work.
"My father took a photo of himself outside the theater and sent it to me, so I would know that he was there," says Knee. "That was so important to me."
Knee is a graduate of the Yale Drama School, where he planned to study to become a teacher. But after finishing his degree, Knee was no longer attracted to the academic world. Instead, he wanted to try his hand as a writer.
"I'm a scrapper when it comes to writing," he says. "I did anything from journalism to plays. I wrote whatever came along. Looking back on it, I'm not sure how I supported myself during the '80s, but I did."
Knee's career, as with many writers, has had its highs and lows.
"When I first got out of school, I was sought after a lot," he says.
In fact, Knee worked with PBS in 1978 to do a four-part series on "The Scarlet Letter."
"But being a writer is really like being on a roller coaster ride," says Knee. "My career dipped down and it didn't really come back until 'Shmulnik.' "
Knee's career, however, is now stronger than ever.
His 1998 play, "A Man Who Was Peter Pan," is currently being adapted into a movie by Miramax. The play is based on the true-life story of J.M. Barrie, author of the children's tale "Peter Pan."
The movie, "Neverland," will star Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet and Dustin Hoffman, and will be directed by Marc Forster, perhaps best known for his direction of the 2002 movie "Monster's Ball." "Neverland" is scheduled for release in fall 2004.
Knee hopes to travel to Arizona to see the AJTC's production of "Shmulnik's Waltz," but he has not yet made definite plans.
"I've never been to Arizona," he says. "I'd love to come."
Knee is a resident of New York City.
Details
- What: "Shmulnik's Waltz"
- Who: Arizona Jewish Theatre Company
- When: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 27-Jan. 11
- Where: Playhouse on the Park, Viad Corporate Center, 1850 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
- Cost: $25-$29
- Call: 602-264-0402
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