In 1990s New York City, Orthodox Jewish teens and lifelong best friends Zalmy and Shmuel are intent on saving the world from behind the wheel of their “Mitzvah Tank” van. But when a curious outsider deepens Zalmy’s interest in the secular world of rock and roll and roller skates, Shmuel will have to do everything in his power to keep his and Zalmy’s dreams intact. This road-trip bromance is a funny and heartwarming ode to the turbulence of youth, the universal suspicion that we don’t quite fit in and the faith and friends that see us through.

Co-Sponsors Dave Glenn, Sandy Laedtke and Guy and Mary Jo McDonald

Cast

Featuring
A.J. Magoon as Zalmy

Alex Mitchell as Shmuel

Lucas Prizant as Jonathan

Rachael Zientek as Leah

Understudies

Zalmy – Caleb Lawrence, Shmuel – Phillip Steenbekkers, Jonathan – Michael Kratzer, Leah – Elisheva Scheuer

Creative Team

Elyse Edelman, Director

Gina Cornejo, Assistant Director

Jeffrey D. Kmiec, Scenic Designer

Colin Gawronski, Lighting Designer

Kim Instenes, Costume Designer

Emma Mehnert, Assistant Costume Designer

Brian Grimm, Sound Designer

Bianca Gonzalez, Properties Designer

Jody Hirsh, Cultural Consultant

Carrie Johns, Stage Manager

Carter Bauer, Assistant Stage Manager