A Night in the Old Marketplace
Grammy award-winning klezmer giant Frank London mixes Jewish, jazz, and world beats in his unique adaptation of a phantasmagorical Yiddish play, written in 1907 by I.L. Peretz. Conceived by director Alexandra Aron, with lyrics by Glen Berger, this multi-media concert reflects the off-kilter cabaret of Kurt Weill and Tom Waits. This is an absurdly funny, dark night of mischief and mysticism in an old Jewish marketplace. Performed by an outstanding group of 10 musicians and singers plus a narrator, the tragi-comic “shtetl ghost love story” is an unforgettable musical experience.
The 90 minute performance has featured special guest narrators who read a translation of Glen Berger’s narration in the local language, such as Vinicio Capossela (Italy) and David Szurmiej (Poland).
A NIGHT IN THE OLD MARKETPLACE has been presented at the Singer Festival in Warsaw, Mass Moca, Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto, Teatro Manzoni in Milan, Bard Summerscape, Merkin Concert Hall in NY, and Jewish Music Festival in Berkeley, Ca. Upcoming productions include Tivoli Theater, Copenhagen.
“London and Berger (and director Alexandra Aron) have created a highly original musical universe that’s true to its hundred-year-old source, yet extremely accessible and entertaining to modern ears. A Night in the Old Marketplace is a remarkable achievement.”