My Name is Asher Lev Extends Off-Broadway Run

Good news for the critically acclaimed off-Broadway production of My Name is Asher Lev. The stage adaptation of Chaim Potok’s classic coming-of-age novel has extended at the Westside Theatre through May 26, 2013. The play opened on November 28.

Set in New York City, My Name is Asher Lev is the story of a Hasidic Jewish boy 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.

The play stars newcomer Ari Brand as Asher Lev, as well as Jenny Bacon and Mark Nelson in a variety of roles including Asher’s parents Rivkeh and Aryeh. Gordon Edelstein directed the production, which was adapted from Potok’s novel by Aaron Posner.

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.

Watch Broadway.com's interviews with the cast of Asher Lev below!