Stage Adaptation of My Name is Asher Lev Opens Off-Broadway

The stage adaptation of Chaim Potok's classic coming-of-age novel My Name is Asher Lev officially opens at off-Broadway’s Westside Theatre on November 28. Adapted by Aaron Posner and directed by Gordon Edelstein, the play stars newcomer Ari Brand as Asher Lev and features performances by Jenny Bacon and Mark Nelson in a variety of roles including Asher’s parents Rivkeh and Aryeh.

Set in New York City, My Name Is Asher Lev is the story of a Hasidic Jewish boy (Brand) who wants to be an artist. As Asher matures as both a Jew and an artist, he continues to struggle to be accepted by his family and the members of his community.

My Name is Asher Lev premiered at Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre Company in 2009. Edelstein directed a production of the new play at New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre in May 2012. In addition to Brand, Bacon and Nelson, the cast features Potok’s daughter Naama Potok as the female understudy.

The production includes set design by Eugene Lee, lighting design by James F. Ingalls, costume design by Ilona Somogyi and music and sound design by John Gromada.