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

Running now through Feb. 9 at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater is the one-woman play "Becoming Dr. Ruth" by Mark St. Germain. Catch it if you can because many performances are already sold out.

Everyone knows Dr. Ruth Westheimer from her career as a pioneering radio and television sex therapist. Few, however, know the incredible journey that preceded it. From fleeing the Nazis in the Kindertransport and joining the Haganah in Jerusalem as a scout and sniper, to her struggles to succeed as a single mother coming to America, Becoming Dr. Ruth is filled with the humor, honesty, and life-affirming spirit of Karola Ruth Siegel, the girl who became "Dr. Ruth," America's most famous sex therapist. WARNING: Strong sexual content

Production sponsors are Jim and Valeria Shapiro and the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center.

Becoming Dr. Ruth is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.orlandoshakes.org/show/becoming-dr-ruth/ and there are a variety of choices:

Guest Talkback

After the performance on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m., the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida will host an intimate moderated chat with local Holocaust survivor, Sonja Marchensano. Listen to her story of hope, survival, and the challenges her family faced through the Holocaust. (There are still a few seats available).

$25 under 35 week

Jan. 22 - 26

Score $25 tickets for all evening performances and weekend matinees. Use code word: 25UNDER35

Valid for B, C, and D Level seats. Must be 35 years of age or younger to purchase. Valid ID required. Limit one (1) ticket per ID.

Talk Back Performance

Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.

Following the 2 p.m. matinee, stay to chat with actress Eileen DeSandre about the production.

Senior Matinees

Jan. 15, 22, 29, & Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.

All Wednesday afternoon performances during a show's run are designated as Senior Matinees. These performances are an affordable and convenient way to participate in live theater.

Senior matinee tickets are discounted up to 50 percent off regular ticket prices and are not age-restricted.