Philadelphia theatergoers are in for a hearty dose of laughter and perhaps a little soul-searching this month with the world premiere of Marsha Blovotnick and the Marvelous Magical Chicken Soup. The new comedy, penned by Dan Kitrosser and directed by Jesse Bernstein, centers on a delightfully irascible septuagenarian whose culinary creation possesses an unexpected power: the ability to convince anyone of her strongly held beliefs. The play opens March 12 at the Bluver Theatre at the Drake, 302 S. Hicks St., and runs through March 22, with tickets available at www.theatreariel.org. This production promises a unique blend of whimsy, social commentary, and the comforting aroma of a time-honored tradition.
The story behind the play is almost as charming as the premise itself. Kitrosser and Bernstein’s collaboration blossomed from a serendipitous encounter five years ago on the streets of South Philadelphia. Both had recently moved to the East Passyunk neighborhood, and a shared conversation about a play while walking home led to the realization they were neighbors. Their friendship solidified through shared work with Theatre Ariel, where Bernstein serves as Artistic Director, and a shared commitment to local political engagement. “We started working elections together,” Bernstein recalled. “Long hours at the polls provided an opportunity to share a few laughs.”
From Electioneering to Soup-er Powers
That shared experience, including a particularly memorable instance of belting out Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd during a long election night, forged a strong bond. Kitrosser’s playwriting caught Bernstein’s attention, leading to a reading of one of his works in collaboration with the Bible Players. Now, that creative partnership has culminated in Marsha Blovotnick, which began as a one-act play last season and has been expanded into a full-length production. Bernstein described the play as having “elements of magical realism,” and praised Kitrosser’s ability to balance “whimsy and humor but also tenderness.”
Central to the production is Janis Dardaris in the title role. Both Kitrosser and Bernstein expressed their excitement about working with the actress. “It was exciting to be able to write towards her, for her,” Kitrosser said. “And the character is obviously very different from her but there’s so much fun in seeing Janice be this woman.” The play’s premise, as Kitrosser succinctly puts it, revolves around “an angry socialist Jew who is a lesbian [and] has been gifted a magical chicken soup and if she shares it with people, they will be convinced she is right.”
A Play for Our Times
The play’s themes resonate particularly strongly in today’s polarized political climate. Bernstein noted the significance of chicken soup as a cultural touchstone – “Jewish penicillin,” as he affectionately called it – and its connection to Marsha’s identity. He emphasized that the play isn’t just about politics, but about the fundamental human demand for connection, and understanding. “It takes place during shabbat, but also This proves a story about anyone who has family – which I think is all of us – can relate to,” he said. “And in this current moment, emotions are so fraught and that’s a massive part of what this play is about. What do you do with that? And how do you still sit down and have soup with somebody?”
Kitrosser echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the current divisions while also expressing hope for reconciliation. “It’s not novel to say that we’re so polarized to say that people don’t want to sit down with each other,” he said. “And I feel that. But I know on some level, on the other side of direct contact and sitting down, there is healing and moving forward. But what it takes to do that and the risk it takes to do that is what the play is about.”
Part of a Broader Artistic Vision
Marsha Blovotnick and the Marvelous Magical Chicken Soup is part of Theatre Ariel’s Signature Salon series, a season characterized by adventurous and thought-provoking productions. The season began with The Accomplices, a World War II-era drama about the Holocaust, and also includes The Essence, another comedy. It will conclude in April and early May with My Name is Asher Lev, an adaptation of Chaim Potok’s novel. Bernstein explained that Theatre Ariel’s core mission is to tell stories that explore the Jewish experience, grounding its productions in Jewish history, thought, and belief.
As audiences prepare to experience Marsha Blovotnick’s magical soup, the play offers a timely and humorous exploration of connection, conviction, and the power of a good meal to bridge divides. The production promises a unique theatrical experience, blending sharp wit with heartfelt emotion. Theatre Ariel will continue its 35th season with My Name is Asher Lev, offering audiences further opportunities to engage with compelling stories rooted in the Jewish experience.
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