Upcoming productions.
The Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project
After its world premiere at NJ Repertory Company last season and an acclaimed run in Edinburgh last Summer, The Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project, arrives in New York City at 59E59 Theaters July 10-August 4.
Award-winning actor/playwright John Jiler and clarinetist Sweet Lee Odom tell the remarkable story of the youngest child of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Orphaned at six following his parents' execution for espionage, the boy was adopted by the man who wrote the song Strange Fruit, seared into our consciousness by Billie Holiday. To the jazz accompaniment of Odom, Jiler plays a gallery of rogues, heroes and saints and takes us on a journey of American politics from then until now. Directed by Margarett Perry.
“Each character is brought brilliantly to life.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-British Theatre Guide”
“Powerful and poignant…This is an extraordinary story, both personal and political.”
The Fringe Review
American Theatre Magazine
“Jiler’s fertile imagination and [the] compelling, probing script brought me to shivers.”
“History resonates powerfully in this vividly depicted piece.”
-New Jersey Arts
“John Jiler proves to be a master storyteller and the clarinet music performed by the talented composer and band leader, Lee Odom, makes the production all the more captivating. The music is perfectly placed to illuminate the story.”
— Broadway World