Neve Shalom's "They Changed Broadway" Seating Chart Revised

A big apology to everyone spent time scratching his or her head while looking at the previously posted Forum Theatre Seating chart for the one-night only performance of "They Changed Broadway: From Berlin to Bernstein and Beyond- The Jewish Contribution to the American Musical". 

Yup, I got it wrong.  There was a mix up on the row sequencing.  But it is corrected now!  (Yes.  The left side seating really does go from 'A' to 'P' then 'R', then 'Q'. 

Anyway, you should have no worries now about ordering tickets for the revue and finding someone else sitting in your seat!

Buy your tickets now and receive an advance ticket purchase discount, then enjoy this professionally written, directed and acted revue June 13th, 4:00 P.M. at the Forum Theatre (314 Main Street, Metuchen).

See you there!

Meet the Modern Day Male Yenta of Musical Theatre

Meet the Modern Day Male Yenta of Musical Theatre

Ever wonder why “Fiddler on the Roof” is one of the most frequently revived Broadway musicals even though it was not considered a hit during the original tryout? Maybe you’re wondering what Chava is up to now? Ask Michael Colby.

Do you have a song stuck in your head from that ride up the elevator to your morning meeting that you know comes from a classic Broadway musical but you can just barely see the face of the actor as she crosses the stage and can’t remember the name of the play, the song or the actor? Ask Michael.

Want to know what the young, handsome, talented Tony nominated boy from “Falsettos” is up to these days? Ask Michael.

In the “Fiddler on the Roof” script, Yenta is the old-world Eastern European match-maker who makes it her business to know everyone else’s business. In 2010, that might be Michael Colby’s job albeit in a less intrusive way-- at least when it comes to Jews in musical theatre.

You see, Michael is a musical theatre historian, librettist/lyricist and performer; and he knows what everyone in musical theatre is up to. His Facebook® friend list includes around 1,000 people--more than half of whom are plugged in to musical theatre.

Sit down with Michael and you will learn that “West Side Story”, the classic play and movie about a forbidden love between a Puerto Rican Girl and a tough white kid from the streets of New York was originally written about a Jewish boy’s tragically fated romance with a Catholic girl.

Spend a little more time and you learn that Nora Bayes who sang and wrote “Shine On Harvest Moon” was born Dora Goldberg; or that Ed Wynn--especially remembered for his role in the 1956 "Playhouse 90" television drama "Requiem for a Heavyweight" and his role as “Uncle Albert” in the film “Mary Poppins”--was born Edwin Leopold.

The Jewish contribution to the American Musical goes well-beyond turn of the century Yiddish Theatre--revolutionizing the writing and acting in such memorable shows as “Show Boat,” “Pal Joey,” “Oklahoma!”, “Carousel”, and even “Cocoanuts” starring the Marx Brothers.

And Michael Colby can tell you all about it. So, it seemed natural to ask Michael to help put together a musical revue of the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical for a one-night only June 13th fund-raising event to benefit the social and educational services provided to the Middlesex County, New Jersey area by Congregation Neve Shalom.

Michael has woven 100+ years of stage and screen musical theatre into a truly unique 2 hour experience; and pulled together a small, dedicated and truly talented group of Jewish acting professionals including Leah Horowitz (“Les Miserable”, “La Cage Aux Folles”), Jonathan C. Kaplan (Tony nominated for “Falsettos”) and Neva Small (“The Impossible Years”, “Something’s Afoot”, and Chava in the film version “Fiddler on the Roof”) to help bring the experience to life.

The performance is scheduled for 4:00PM, June 13th at the Forum Theatre on Main Street in Metuchen, New Jersey- a quick walk from the Metuchen Train Station.

Seating is limited. Tickets are on sale now.

To schedule interviews with Michael Colby, Michael Lavine (musical director), and Neva Small contact Michael Colby at 732-494-2659; Ludlow29@aol.com; or www.MichaelColby.com

For more information about the show visit www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com or call (732) 548-2238.

More Exciting Developments for "They Changed Broadway"

As we approach Passover (Pesach), it's very cool that we can take time out from the frantic cleaning and shopping to continue to work on producing this A+ Broadway all-star quality revue, "They Changed Broadway" . 

Keep checking back here... We are just days away from announcing our phone and online safe, secure and convenient ticket ordering partner.

If you are interested in being part of this historical event- we still have 1/4 page, 1/2, page and Full-page sponsor advertising space available... And all sponsors will noted with link on this site.  Send an e-mail to theychangedbroadway@gmail.com or call (732) 548-2238 x24. 

Jonathan C. Kaplan Signs on for Benefit Revue “They Changed Broadway”

Metuchen, New Jersey – 03/11/2010 – Jonathan Kaplan joins the cast for the Neve Shalom benefit revue “They Changed Broadway” at The Forum Theater Arts Center, June 13, 2010.


“It’s a terrific opportunity to showcase the talents of a very good cast and I am very happy to be working with the other performers for this one-night benefit revue,” says Jonathan Kaplan.

Mr. Kaplan adds, “A revue featuring the Jewish contribution to the American Musical from Berlin to Bernstein and beyond is a wonderful idea with a very broad appeal and benefits a really good cause. Audience members of all backgrounds and different levels of exposure to musicals will have a great time.”

The Jewish contribution to the musical goes well beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” features hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night benefit revue featuring well-known performers.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Jonathan C. Kaplan’s talent agree to perform in ‘They Changed Broadway’,” says Hope Seratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising manager.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond its 500-family membership expanding its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

THEY CHANGED BROADWAY will be on stage in Metuchen, New Jersey June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre. For ticket information visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

About Jonathan C. Kaplan

Jonathan C. Kaplan (http://www.jonathanckaplan.com/) won The Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Tony® Award playing "Jason" in Falsettos. Other roles include Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank (Broadway; starring Natalie Portman & Linda Lavin), Benjamin in The Graduate (National Tour), and Mitchell in The Loman Family Picnic (Manhattan Theatre Club). Films include Loving Leah and Life with Mikey. TV appearances include Law and Order: CI, Law and Order: SVU, and As the World Turns.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Neva Small Slated for Neve Benefit Revue at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen

Metuchen, New Jersey – 03/09/2010 – Neva Small, currently performing off-Broadway in her cabaret show NOT QUITE AN INGENUE is slated to perform in the Neve Shalom benefit revue “They Changed Broadway” at The Forum Theater Arts Center, June 13, 2010.


“I am flattered Michael Colby asked me; happy that I am able to work this show into my calendar, and looking forward to working with Michael Lavine and the other performers,” says Neva Small.

Ms. Small adds, “A benefit revue featuring the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical from Berlin to Bernstein and beyond is a wonderful idea with a very broad appeal. I’m sure the audience will have a great time.”

The Jewish contribution to the musical goes beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” features hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known performers.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Neva Small’s talent agree to perform in ‘They Changed Broadway’,” says Hope Seratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising manager.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond its 500-family membership expanding its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

“They Changed Broadway” will be on stage in Metuchen, New Jersey June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre.

About Neva Small

Neva Small (http://www.nevasmall.com/) has distinguished herself as a singer and actress in theaters, in concert halls across America, on film, and on television. Her signature role of Chava in the film version of “Fiddler on the Roo”f remains a classic. Recently returning to the spotlight after raising a family, Neva starred with Michael Feinstein in “Michael Feinstein: Now & Then” at Carnegie Hall, released her best selling first solo CD, “Neva Small: My Place in the World”, and was a guest artist with the Walla Walla Symphony.

Her cabaret show “Not Quite An Ingenue” was so successful it was transferred to an Off-Broadway theater where it is currently being performed. The original cast recording is available on CD. Neva has appeared on television in Law & Order, Law & Order, Criminal Intent, and the TV movie “Hijacking of the Achille Lauro” and is an accomplished writer, producer and performer of children's educational programs.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Acclaimed Broadway Librettist and Lyricist Writes Broadway Benefit Revue

Metuchen, New Jersey – 02/19/2010 –Michael Colby, acclaimed award-winning librettist, lyricist, and performer writes the continuity for Neve Shalom’s Broadway Benefit Revue, THEY CHANGED BROADWAY, scheduled for 4PM, June 13th, 2010.

“Congregation Neve Shalom is extremely lucky and proud to have Michael and his family as members of the synagogue and doubly blessed to have him participating so actively in the planned June 13 production of THEY CHANGED BROADWAY, “says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom board member, fundraising manager.

Mr. Colby adds, “This is really exciting. The American Musical is one of the world’s unique art forms and the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical beyond Yiddish Theater is staggering. This is the kind of revue that anyone who watches musical films and stage plays will enjoy… and it’s for a great cause.”

Non-profit organizations provide crucial services to the Middlesex County, New Jersey area residents and face stiff competition when asking for donations. Neve Shalom fund-raising activities benefit the Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large. The appeal of such a fundraising concept is that Neve Shalom is reaching beyond it’s 500-family membership, giving a valuable and unique Broadway experience open to everyone.

Neve Shalom plans to bring starring performers of film and Broadway to Metuchen, New Jersey for the June 13th 4PM revue and is in talks now with local theaters and Broadway performers.

About Michael Colby

Michael Colby (http://www.michaelcolby.com/) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as CHARLOTTE SWEET (Drama Desk Award nomination), TALES OF TINSELTOWN, NORTH ATLANTIC (Show Business Award), SLAY IT WITH MUSIC, MRS. McTHING, THEY CHOSE ME!, and LUDLOW LADD. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson. Michael’s MEESTER AMERIKA, was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Synagogue Schedules Broadway Revue Benefit Afternoon of Tony Awards

Metuchen, New Jersey – 02/16/2010 - Congregation Neve Shalom, the leading Jewish Conservative Egalitarian synagogue in Middlesex County, New Jersey announces plans to bring Broadway starring performers to Metuchen, New Jersey for a June 13th, 2010 4PM benefit fundraiser, THEY CHANGED BROADWAY.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond its 500-family membership expanding its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

"Based on the sold-out benefit performance success of Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah that Neve Shalom performed several years ago, the idea of putting together a one-night show using professional actors and directors with a Jewish theme is very exciting," says Hope Serratelli, Board Member and Fundraising Chairperson.

Mrs. Serratelli adds, "The idea of a revue about the Jewish contributions to the Broadway musical is appealing to a wide audience. Many may know about the Yiddish Contribution in Broadway's early history, and of course iconic shows like Fiddler on the Roof, but not be aware of the more mainstream contribution Jewish writers have had on many of the most famous and beloved musicals, like West Side Story, Wicked, or Rent."

Fund-raising is difficult even in the best of economic times, and while there is mixed messages about the improvements in the economy, New Jersey is still a long way off from a sustained full recovery. Secular and non-secular non-profit organizations like Congregation Neve Shalom provide crucial services to the Middlesex County, New Jersey area residents and face stiff competition when asking for donations.

The appeal of such a fundraising concept is that Neve Shalom is giving the local residents a valuable and unique Broadway experience in Metuchen without having to travel into Manhattan.

Neve Shalom plans to bring starring performers of film and Broadway to Metuchen, New Jersey for a June 13th, 4PM performance.

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238