A comedy about what happens when we begin to question our stories

By: Tom Dudzick
Direction: Yael Valier
Cast: Sarit Brown, Mordechai Buxner, Devorah Jaffe, and Andrea Katz

Miracle on South Division Street tells the story of the Nowak family, living in the urban rubble of Buffalo, NY. Clara, the family matriarch, is firm in her belief that her family is special, as evidenced by the fact that the Blessed Mother herself miraculously materialized in her father’s barbershop 40 years ago. When the play opens, a family meeting is in progress. Daughter Ruth divulges her plan to finally tell the world about this family miracle. But during the course of the meeting, everyone’s faith is shaken when hitherto hidden information sheds doubt on the family legend. The results are thought-provoking, heartfelt, and hilarious.

I chose to produce Tom Dudzick's deceptively naive play because, with humor and mercy, it gently unearths issues that we all have to deal with, especially now. What happens when our faith is shaken? Can we pick up the pieces and discover or create new meaning?

Discussion:
27.11.24 Discussion with Shannon Nuszen  follows
28.11.24 Discussion with Father William Russel follows
30.11.24 Discussion with Rabbi Dr. John Krug follows

The play and discussion are in English with no subtitles