Rice’s Boniuk Center joins in presenting story of courage, compassion

New musical to premiere at Miller Outdoor Theatre in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Week
Rice’s Boniuk Center joins in presenting story of courage, compassion

BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News staff

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Week, renowned local organizations have partnered to present the free public premiere of “The Gold” May 1 and 2 at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

The musical follows the fictional life of Joseph Cohen, a German Jew and amateur boxer, through the Nazi regime and the formation of the state of Israel. It culminates with the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The story honors those with the courage to stand against hatred, intolerance and apathy. Conceived and composed by Houston resident Philip Yosowitz, “The Gold” is in part a tribute to his family members and all others who perished in the Holocaust.

“The play’s universal messages of compassion, perseverance and tolerance are as important today as ever,” said Jill Carroll, executive director of Rice University’s Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance. “The Boniuk Center is pleased to present the musical as our annual Holocaust remembrance event.”

The premiere is made possible through a unique collaboration of local organizations: Arts with an Impact, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering generations through the arts; the Boniuk Center; Miller Outdoor Theatre; and KUHF. The University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance is providing additional production support.

An abbreviated version of “The Gold” was performed in 2008 and was received enthusiastically by audiences and reviewers. Its May premiere will employ a production team whose talents have gained national and international acclaim. Director Cailín Heffernan and music arranger Steven Jamail hail from New York City, as do two of the lead cast members. Notable New York writer Andrea Lepcio joined the author team as book writer in the fall of 2008.

“I was attracted to ‘The Gold’ because of its life affirmation of spiritual triumph over adversity,” Heffernan said. She has directed off-Broadway as well as regionally throughout the U.S.
        
“I am thrilled to produce this inspirational story,” said Laura Yosowitz, producer of the show and artistic director of Arts with an Impact. “Through ‘The Gold’ the audience is confronted with the question: ‘What is the gold in my life?’ We hope that everyone is left empowered to choose their ‘gold’ wisely.” 

Performances are free and open to the public and will be held at 8 p.m. May 1 and 2 and Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive. For more information on the musical, visit http://www.thegoldthemusical.com/.