"Little Shop of Horrors" Comes to Dunwoody

From February 27 – March 9, Jerry’s Habima Theatre, Georgia’s only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals, featuring actors with special needs, will celebrate its 21st season with the charming, tuneful, and hilarious Little Shop of Horrors.

Jerry’s Habima Theatre was the 2007 recipient of the Spirit of Suzi Bass Award for its long-term and consistent contribution to professionalism in Atlanta theater. All productions are held at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s beautiful Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Visit us online at www.atlantajcc.org.

Jerry’s Habima Theatre, a program of the MJCCA, is produced under the auspices of the MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs, and the MJCCA’s Arts & Culture Department. Each year, together with local professional actors from the community, Jerry’s Habima Theatre performers (ages 18+) present a Broadway musical.

The Blonder Family Department for Special Needs is chaired by Lowell Fine. This year, Jerry’s Habima Theatre’s 21st anniversary is co-chaired by Lois Blonder and Terri Bagen.

Bagen, Jerry’s Habima Theatre 2013 Co-Chair and perennial audience member explained, “Unless you have been a part of this remarkable theater over the past 20 years, it is hard to understand the magnitude of emotions that are felt by the actors, their families, and the audiences. Jerry’s Habima Theatre has gone beyond my wildest dreams, and I am so amazed and awed each time I see a performance. I leave every show with a huge smile on my face."

Added Blonder, “This year, Jerry’s Habima Theatre is delighted that its Opening Night takes place during Jewish Disability Awareness Month (JDAM), which is recognized annually in February. JDAM has established goals that include: raising awareness and promoting meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in all aspects of Jewish life.”

Professionally directed by Dina Shadwell, the Habima productions also feature local theater artists. Shadwell explains, “The participants of this special theater company achieve new levels of self-confidence, motivation, and socialization from the intensive three-month process of rehearsals and performances.  This unique program provides a wonderful opportunity for developing new skills through a meaningful theater experience.” 

Said Bagen, “What makes me so proud of Jerry’s Habima Theatre is that it provides a safe place for self-expression, allowing people to be themselves and come alive on stage, without the fear of not being accepted.”

Little Shop of Horrors 

Thurs. February 27 at 7:30 pm; Sat. March 1 at 7:30 pm; Sun. March 2 at 3:00 pm; Thurs. March 6 at 7:30 pm; Sat. March 8 at 7:30 pm; and Sun. March 9 at 3:00 pm.

General admission: $35; Children 12 and under: $15.

MJCCA Members: $25; Children 12 and under: $10.  

For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the MJCCA’s Box Office at 678-812-4002, or visit on-line at www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice.

Information in this story was provided my the MJCCA and edited for publication.