Kirjahaku

Comedy / 6m, 3f / Interior This play was an outstanding Broadway production of the 1934-35 season. Prefaces by John Anderson and Barrett H. Clark. This is one of the most gracious, witty and moving sophisticated comedies which Broadway has seen in some time. Though the author emphasizes his delightful theme rather than the matter of plot, the story itself is of the utmost theater value. This has to do with the very civilized attitude of a clever playwright approaching middle-age who not only dares fall in love with a younger woman, but stands aside for a time and even helps a young man take his place in the affections of the girl. In the end, however, the author shows with unmistakable persuasion that age itself has nothing to do with the problem. A thoroughly delightful and sophisticated play for advanced casts.

In this controversial backstage story, the struggle between a venerable Cantor and his son playout against the backdrop of 1920s New York jazz. At the height of his career, the Cantor's son is about to star on Broadway when he is suddenly called upon to decide whether he shall sacrifice himself, his career, stardom, the girl he loves, for the duty towards his father and his religion. A major hit of the 1925 season, "The Jazz Singer" was hailed by critics as "tense and stirring." It would go on to run for over 300 performances and was the basis for the first talking motion picture starring Al Jolson who was the inspiration for the original story. Samson Raphaelson was a major playwright, novelist and screenwriter of the Twentieth Century having written the screenplays for such diverse films as "The Shop Around the Corner," "Heaven Can Wait," Alfred Hitchcock's "Suspicion," and the Judy Garland musical "The Harvey Girls."

The Jazz Singer by Samson Raphaelson is a groundbreaking story that captures the tension between tradition and modernity, set against the backdrop of America's evolving cultural landscape. The novel tells the story of Jakie Rabinowitz, the son of a Jewish cantor, who dreams of becoming a jazz singer despite his father's strong objections. Jakie's struggle to reconcile his passion for music with his duty to his family and religious heritage forms the heart of the story, exploring themes of identity, generational conflict, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Raphaelson's narrative not only highlights the cultural clash between old-world traditions and new-world ambitions but also delves into the broader societal changes taking place in America during the 1920s. The Jazz Singer is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices one must make in the quest for self- expression and success, and the emotional cost of breaking away from one's roots. As Jakie navigates his path, the story resonates with anyone who has ever faced the challenge of balancing personal aspirations with familial expectations, making it a timeless tale of struggle and triumph.