Special Events
for 2023
All seats are first-come, first-served.
Sunday, March 19
Elijah Alexander in The Mitzvah Project
March 19, 4pm
Jewish Community of Ojai
530 W El Roblar Dr., Ojai
The Mitzvah is a three part program that dramatically explores the nature of prejudice through the interconnected lives of a Polish-Jewish Auschwitz survivor and a half-Jewish Wehrmacht officer who cross paths during the darkest days of the Holocaust performed by Elijah Alexander of the show The Chosen. The one person play is followed by a presentation by Mr. Alexander. He will share his own family's Holocaust story and examine the unique — and tragic — history that produced tens of thousands of half and quarter Jewish Wehrmacht soldiers (mostly junior and senior officers) who were the product of two centuries of German-Jewish assimilation, intermarriage, conversion and the striving of a people committed to calling the German Fatherland their home.The evening will end with a Q & A session with Mr. Alexander led by Performances to Grow On.
Not recommended for children under 14.
Call or email with questions: 805.272.0072, info@ojaistoryfest.org
Left: Debra Ehrhardt. Award winning writer and Jamaica Native. Her play, Jamaica Farewell, was optioned and produced by Rita Wilson & Gary Marshall and is optioned for a movie produced by Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas.
Right: Christopher Grossett.
Call or email with questions: 805.272.0072, info@ojaistoryfest.org
Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree (a mostly true story from Jamaica)
Stay for a talk back with Oscar and Grammy winning Director Paul Williams!
Saturday, April 15
7:00pm
Ojai Art Center Theater
113 S Montgomery St, Ojai
From the award winning writer of Jamaica Farewell, (produced by Rita Wilson and Garry Marshall) comes the new play, Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree. Directed by Oscar and Grammy winner Paul Williams, Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree is the mostly true story about the importance of forgiveness and the power of vulnerability. We follow Debra's story as she struggles to find love in spite of her tumultuous relationship with her father. Debra and Chris flash between past and present and give us a glimpse into her poignant yet hilarious years of serial monogamy and the ultimate discovery of a big secret that unlocks her ability to trust and forgive.
Directed by: Paul Williams-Although most well known for his songwriting career, Oscar & Grammy winning Hall of Fame Songwriter Paul Williams, began as an actor. Enjoying many roles and most recently appearing as JT, in the Netflix series, Goliath, with Billy Bob Thornton. He enjoyed working with Debra and Chris and is proud to share his insights in this new production.
Written by: Debra Ehrhardt
Performed by: Debra Ehrhardt & Chris Grosset
General Admission: $40
Not suitable for audiences under age 18.
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Norman Foote
Sunday, April 23
3:00pm
Ojai Art Center Theater
113 S Montgomery St, Ojai
This celebrated performer from Vancouver, BC has created a special niche in the music world and amassed a cross-generational following. His musicality is like no other, mixing clever hooks, witty wordplay and comedy all to great effect. His accolades include SOCAN’s Best Songwriter Award, US Parents' Choice Awards, and National Publications Parenting Awards' Gold Award, and most recently a JUNO for his cd "Love my new Shirt." Norman has written and recorded songs for Disney Records, Shari Lewis, CBC, Max and Ruby musical and many others. He has performed and worked with millions of people throughout North America, inspiring creativity through his songs, stories and innovative props.
For assemblies at your school
call or email: 805.272.0072, info@ojaistoryfest.org
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