After a brief and coolly received Broadway run in 2013 at Circle in the Square, the musical returned Off-Broadway in a streamlined, 100-minute version Nov. 28, 2014, at the Actor's Temple Theatre.
Director-choreographer Mindy Cooper made several changes to the production, which was performed without an intermission. It officially opened Off-Broadway Dec. 14. The production played 54 performances.
According to producers, "Details regarding ticket refunds for performances after January 25 have not been discussed."
"We've had an excellent run and have accomplished our current goals for Soul Doctor," said Jeremy Chess, producer of Soul Doctor, in a recent statement. "Rabbi Carlebach's music and teachings continues to bring joy to and touch the lives of people from all different walks of life. The current production transforms the Broadway musical into a theatrical piece which will be more suitable for touring."
The Broadway production, which was presented in two acts, ran July 17-Oct. 13, 2013, closing after only 32 previews and 66 regular performances. Soul Doctor arrived on Broadway after earlier productions in New Orleans, Florida and as a guest run at the New York Theatre Workshop in 2012. Conceived by producer Chess, created by David Schechter and Daniel S. Wise, Soul Doctor has a book by Wise, lyrics by Schechter and music by Shlomo Carlebach, with additional material by Neshama Carlebach.
Actor-musician Josh Nelson and Wicked actress Dan'yelle Williamson co-star as Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and Nina Simone, respectively, in the current Off-Broadway run. The cast also features Dianna Barger, Debra Cardona, Jacob Heimer, Anthony Laciura, Don Meehan, Hayden Wall, Lee Hollis Bussie, Rosalie Graziano, Janelle McDermoth, Erin Mosher, John Plumpis and Jesse Swimm.
According to creators, "Soul Doctor takes the audience on an exhilarating musical journey and explores the dramatic life of a cultural icon set in the transformative era of the Love generation. It tells the fascinating story of the father of popular Jewish music, Shlomo Carlebach, and his unlikely friendship with Nina Simone, the high priestess of Soul. A modern-day troubadour, Shlomo ignited the spirit of millions around the world with his soul-stirring melodies, transformative storytelling and boundless love."
Scenic design is by David Goldstein, costume design is by Tristan Raines, lighting design is by Zach Blane, sound design is by Raymond Schilke, projection design is by Brad Peterson, and orchestrations and additional arrangements are by Steve Margoshes. Seth Farber is the music director; Jim Morgan is the associate music director.
For tickets visit TeleCharge.com. The Actors Temple Theatre is located at 339 West 47th Street.
