March 31, 2005

Tabard presents Tony Award-winning play ‘The Last Night of Ballyhoo’ opening April 8

Play explores race and cultural identity with a light hand

After completing a very successful run of the hit ‘50s musical “The Taffetas” at both Joint Venture Churches in Almaden and Bella Mia Restaurant in downtown San Jose, The Tabard Theatre Company presents the 1997 Tony Award-winning comedy “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” April 8-23, in Almaden.

From left, Jennie Pierson as Lala; Rebecca Wallace as Sunny. Lala is aghast at her cousin Sunny’s date for Ballyhoo, the big event of the Jewish social season in Atlanta, 1939. Photo by Edmond Kwong

The comedy was written by Alfred Uhry, award-winning author of both the play and film “Driving Miss Daisy” and the film “Mystic Pizza.”

Set on the eve of the second world war in Europe, “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” is a captivating and delightful romantic comedy about social aspirations within Atlanta’s Jewish community, overshadowed by racial tensions and an almost perceptible awareness of an era in America’s history coming to an abrupt and brutal end.

It’s 1939 and “Gone With The Wind” is making its world premiere in Atlanta! The Freitag family, like most local families, is decorating for Christmas—but unlike most other families in Atlanta, they are Jewish! So Mr. Uhry begins his play of clashing cultures and budding romances.

The Freitags have worked hard to discard their Jewish heritage in order to assimilate with the upper echelons of Atlanta society, but they are forced to reconsider their choices when into their midst comes a New York Jew whose family in Eastern Europe are experiencing segregation, persecution and decimation in the most extreme and hateful manner. These serious issues are delightfully and skillfully underscored by the theme of “Gone With The Wind,” including Scarlett’s matchmaking schemes and romantic intrigues, reflected in “Ballyhoo” in the lives of the ambitious and passionate Freitags, creating both great laugh-filled and heartfelt moments.

The “Last Night of Ballyhoo” is the third and final production of the 2004-2005 season. In keeping with its commitment to make a difference in the community through the arts, The Tabard Theatre Company designates a local nonprofit organization to receive a portion of its concession proceeds for each production. The charity selected by the cast, crew and staff of “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” is Jewish Family Services.

The play opens Friday, April 8 with a special opening night reception with cast and staff after the performance. Dessert will be donated by Charlie’s Cheesecake Works, a Tabard Community Partner and the final performance will be on Sunday, April 23.

Performances are at Joint Venture Churches, 6581 Camden Avenue (near Almaden Expressway), San Jose, 95120.

Tickets can be purchased through the Tabard box office by calling (408) 979-0231. Tickets are $18; with senior/student discounts available.

Seating is limited. Reservations strongly recommended.  

Ticket reservations and information: (408) 979-0231 or www.tabardtheatre.org.