On the Run: The Chosen

Posted by: Staffon 2017/5/5 5:20:00 1385 reads The Chosen
May 11-21
Adapted by Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok
From the novel by Chaim Potok
Co-presented by the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC and Theater LaB Houston

Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston and Theater LaB Houston co-present the regional premiere of The Chosen adapted by Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok from the novel by Chaim Potok May 11-21, 2017 at the J’s Kaplan Theatre.

This award-winning adaptation is about a complicated friendship between two Jewish boys, two fathers and two very different Jewish communities in 1940s Brooklyn.


The main characters are first and second-generation Jewish immigrants living in New York at the end of World War II. They all view America as a land of hope, where they can enjoy religious, economic and educational freedom.

But danger and conflict lurk when their individuality and tradition is lost in the vastness of American life. The boys learn important lessons about themselves on the path to understanding and reconciliation.

“Although 50 years have passed since The Chosen was first published, the issues of Zionism, the Holocaust, family dynamics and childhood friendships still very much resonate today,” said Rabbi Samantha Safran from the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC. “I am thrilled that the J is bringing this timeless and essential Jewish story to the stage for both the older and the younger generations to reflect upon and enjoy.”

The Chosen was made into a successful film in 1981, directed by Jeremy Kagan and starred Robbie Benson, Barry Miller, Rod Steiger and Maximilian Schell.

In January 2015, Theater LaB Houston staged the sold-out, critically acclaimed production of My Name is Asher Lev, also adapted by Aaron Posner and based on the novel by Chaim Potok.

Resident director at TLH, Linda Phenix directs the play.

“I am honored to be part of this project and thrilled to present The Chosen at the J,” said Linda. “We have assembled a wonderful team, including an exceptional cast of actors.”

A Houston-based ensemble of actors include Brad Goertz, Steve Garfinkel, Trevor B. Cone, Brian Chambers and John Forgy.

The Chosen will be performed at the Kaplan Theatre at Evelyn Rubenstein JCC.



General Reserved Seating $22
Premium Seating $32
Elite Seating $42

Tickets are available online at
www.erjcchouston.org/arts/theatre or by calling Theater LaB Houston box office at 713-868-7516. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter