Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Just in time for the High Holidays, Eden Grove and The Mesaper Theatre announced the New York premiere of “Out of The Apple Orchard,” an off-Broadway production based on award-winning author Yvonne David’s book “Out of the Apple Orchard,” the first book in the four-part children’s book Apple Tree Series. It was adapted for the stage by Ellen W. Kaplan and directed by Nicole Raphael of The Mesaper Theatre.

“Out of The Apple Orchard” was first performed at the Orlando Repertory Theatre in 2016 and was directed by Tony-award-winning producer Kenny Howard. The off-Broadway production will play seven performances at the historic Actors Temple Theatre.

Inspired by the timeless works of Joseph Stein’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” Sholom Aleichem’s ‘Tevye the Dairyman,’ and Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ the Apple Tree Series tells the story of a Jewish immigrant family who arrive in New York City in 1910. The series follows the Biemans through four generations, taking them from the vibrant Lower East Side to the Mountaindale hamlet in Upstate New York’s Catskill Mountains.

During an interview at David’s home, the Altamonte Springs author shared that “Out of the Apple Orchard” deals with the importance of making mistakes, rectifying wrongdoings, and asking for forgiveness. 

As David shared pages of the book with illustrations by international artist, the late Lyn Rodden (the author’s sister), she commented, “What may seem like a simplistic children’s book on the surface deals with the deeper themes of how to handle mistakes, being wronged, asking for and granting forgiveness, and making up for your wrongdoings. Through the play adaptation, we will examine poignant examples and take the lessons learned in my book, ‘Out of the Apple Orchard,’ to help solve problems in our own lives.”

David continued, “Audiences of all ages will be delighted by the tale of Adam Bieman, a young boy who finds himself in trouble due to his mischievous choices that tear at his conscience. ‘Out of the Apple Orchard’ showcases the injustices of antisemitism and highlights the discrimination that is so pervasive in today’s society.” 

David reiterated that the play explores the themes of second chances, perseverance, and encapsulating the immigrant experience through a Jewish lens. “Out of The Apple Orchard” resonates with audiences, encouraging forgiveness and new beginnings. 

“Our goal in bringing this series to the stage is to help mitigate the anger and prejudice in our nation through kindness and compassion. Literature, theater, and education are powerful and poignant tools to inspire such change,” she stated.

The British-born author shared mistakes from her own life, amongst them struggling and failing English Literature A-Level in London, the equivalent of a first-year university course. At that time, she was feeling very poorly about her self-worth. After moving to the States, David enrolled in the Hamilton Holt School at Rollins College at the right time in her life and earned a degree in English and Organizational Communication, graduating summa cum laude.

Director Nicole Raphael brings the storybook to life in the 60-minute play. She is an educator with Jewish congregations around NYC, where she makes her educational home. It is at Park Avenue Synagogue Congregational School where Raphael developed the unique and multi-faceted curriculum: “From Page to Stage - Out of the Apple Orchard! - an educational and engaging companion to the New York premiere of ‘Out of the Apple Orchard.’

This curriculum allows students to work together as a theatre company, learn about the unique history of the Catskills, acquire acting skills, and transform a historic Jewish story from ‘page to stage.’ David and Raphael hope to bring the curriculum to a wider audience soon. 

The production features sets and paintings by artist Robert Sauber, illustrator of Book 2 in the Apple Tree Series, “The Night Sky Lined with Silver.” Innovative lighting by Maarten Cornelis enhances the storybook feel, with Stage Manager Rebecca Ponticello managing a seasoned group of professional actors. Caleb Hafen stars as Adam Bieman. A fresh move-in to The Big Apple, Caleb is eager to make his New York debut.

As playwright and professor emerita of Smith College, Ellen W. Kaplan explained “Out of the Apple Orchard gives us a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Jewish holidays, tradition, family, community and love.”

Performances of “Out of the Apple Orchard” are on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. and 7p.m .; Monday, Sept. 11 at 7p.m .; Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m .; Wednesday at 3p.m. and 7p.m .; Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7p.m. Tickets for “Out of The Apple Orchard” can be purchased online at http://www.outoftheappleorchard.com through Telecharge. Include Promo Code Orchard30 for a special 30 percent off.

 For more information about the Apple Tree Series, visit http://www.appletreeseries.com.  

Pamela Ruben is managing director of “Ruben Writes.” She is a grant writer, teacher, life historian and author. Contact Pam at PamelaWritingTeacher@gmail.com.