Page 4 - Boca Club News - March '25

Page 4, Boca Club News
“Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience,”

Award-Winning Broadway Musical at

Levis JCC Sandler Center March 22nd, 23rd

Elliot Weiss and Michael Champagne’s “Years went by, and lo and behold, Michael and I were
award-winning song cycle,” Bittersuite: Songs of now approaching our golden years.” Weiss continued. “It
More Experience,” will run for two performances seemed with so much more knowledge, regrets, wisdom,
only at the Levis JCC Sandler Center March 22nd foolhardiness—and everything else that comes with aging—
and 23rd. The production is part of the JCC’s it was time to update ‘Bittersuite’ and call it ‘Bittersuite:
Robert Greenberg Performing Arts Series. Songs of More Experience.’ This latest version of the show,
The production is an extension of the which has been tailored and updated specifically for South
acclaimed revue that ran in New York, San Florida audiences, won the New Jersey Broadway World
Francisco and for two years in Los Angeles, Best Musical award when we first performed it!”
where it was singled out as a “critic’s choice” “‘Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience’ is a musical
by the LA Times, LA Weekly, and Daily News. ‘selfie’ taken forty years later,” Champagne concludes. “And
In this edition the cycle continues to explore reflects some of the deeper perspectives time brings with it.”
the American Experience in song, but from a Elliot Weiss “Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience” is being staged
more mature perspective. “Bittersuite” explores Photo credit: Rebecca E. Weiss by Holly Budney, and Weiss serves as the show’s Musical
growing old in America, what it feels like, and Director. The production features Francine Birns, Lisa
what it means: How do the issues of love, loneliness, success expectations collide Michael Champagne Fishman, David Hyman and Shane Tanner. The four actor/
and failure, change and accommodation, impact our lives with their present-day Photo credit: Rea Rosno singers use narrative song, set pieces, humor and pathos to
as we age? reality could be a fertile express the currents flowing through the American psyche
“Michael Champagne and I had just completed a workshop field to explore.” to produce an unflinching view of who we are and what we
of our first musical, ‘Casanova – A Musical Romance,’ and “‘Bittersuite’ grew out of our interest in exploring the hope as we grow older.
we were having trouble attracting a producer due to the size realities, both sweet and bitter, of American life,” Michael “Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience” will be
of the cast,” Bittersuite composer Elliot Weiss recalls. “We Champagne continued. “We first presented the show in a performed at the Levis JCC Sandler Center on Saturday,
decided to scale down and write a song cycle for four singers seedy little Off-Off Broadway theater in New York, where March 22nd and Sunday, March 23rd. Both performances
and piano. We envisioned it to be performed with no props or it caught fire and moved into the cabaret theatre scene in a will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35/$40 each and
sets. To let the material speak for itself. But what should we stylish uptown location. ‘Bittersuite: Songs of Experience’ are on sale now. For tickets and information visit https://
write about? Seeing as both of us were rapidly approaching has had great success, won many awards, and has been levisjcc.org/culture/performingarts/ or call (561) 558-2520.
middle age it seemed that how people feel when their youthful performed many times all over the world.”
B’nai Torah Congregation’s Dr. Cathy Berkowitz

Named President of Jewish Educators Assembly

B’nai T orah represented Camp Ramah Darom at national conferences. For more information about the Mirochnick Religious
Congregation, the “I have spent over 21 years doing my best to make the School and B’nai Torah Congregation, visit https://www.
largest conservative Mirochnick Religious School the heart of B’nai Torah by btcboca.org/learning/mirochnick-religious-school/.
synagogue in shaping meaningful learning experiences for our students About B’nai Torah Congregation. B’nai Torah
Southeast Florida, and families,” said Dr. Berkowitz. “I am thrilled to accept Congregation has over 1,300 membership families. It is
announced that Dr. this incredible honor and look forward to continuing to make a close-knit, multi-generational, modern and egalitarian
Cathy Berkowitz, who an impact on our community and beyond.” synagogue that offers diverse services, programs of
has led the synagogue’s Dr. Berkowitz earned an M.A. in Public Administration worship, learning, tzedakah, social action and social
Mirochnick Religious and Education from Brooklyn College and pursued studies activities. B’nai Torah Congregation creates an outlet
School for over two in Jewish Education at Siegal College. She was awarded for arts, culture and learning, a home to several schools
decades, will serve as an honorary Doctorate in Education Pedagogy from the of Jewish education. The synagogue, which offers a
the next President of Jewish Theological Seminary. She is the former chair of the variety of volunteer opportunities to enrich the synagogue
the Jewish Educators Dr. Cathy Berkowitz Education Directors Council of South Palm Beach County experience, is a center for tzedakah acts and projects that
Assembly (JEA). She and most recently served as the executive vice president of touch thousands of people. Learn more at https://btcboca.
will be officially installed during the 73rd Annual JEA the JEA. org.
Conference, which begins March 16th, in Chicago.
The Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA) is the leading
professional association for Conservative/Masorti education
professionals. Its membership includes full-time and part-
time education directors, early childhood education directors,
youth directors, clergy-educators, university and seminary
students and supplementary (Hebrew) schoolteachers.
“This honor is a well-deserved recognition of Dr.
Berkowitz’s dedication, passion and leadership in Jewish
education, said Rabbi David Steinhardt, Senior Rabbi of Do you know a family member,
B’nai Torah Congregation. “Dr. Berkowitz’s success is a
reflection of B’nai Torah—a place where education is valued, friend or a neighbor in need of
where tradition and innovation come together, and where
lifelong learning thrives.” Home Health Care?
A wife, mother of four and proud grandmother of two,
Dr. Berkowitz joined B’nai Torah Congregation in 2004 as
Education Director of the Religious School. She had served as
Education and Program Director at Beth Sholom Synagogue
in Memphis, Tennessee, prior to joining B’nai Torah. Dr. Home Health Aides / Certified Nursing Assistants / Registered Nurses to assist you with:
Berkowitz is also a founding faculty member of Camp Ramah
Darom, has served as Rosh Chinuch for twenty summers and • Personal Care • Companionship • Respite Care • Alzheimers & Dementia Care
• Medication Management • Transportation • Meal Preparation
• Light Housekeeping • Grocery Shopping • Post Surgery Care

Complimentary In-Home Consultation

Care provided in the comfort of your Home, Hospital, or Facility

We accept All Long Term Care Insurance Policies and Private Pay – Affordable Rates

Family owned and operated. Boca Resident for 30+ years and Boca Pointe Members.

CALL TODAY: 561.740.8667

www.auracalshc.com
Florida Licensed and Insured NR# 30211558, NR# 30211706