PERFORMED WITH ZEST BY ACTORS IN THEIR 70's, 80's, AND 90's!
The Concordia Players of Monroe Township, NJ, licensed Chip Deffaa's musical play George M. Cohan: In his Own Words from Samuel French Inc.
Under the direction of Tony Adase, they put on a big, high-spirited production--with a company of more than 40 players, ranging in age from 70 to 93!
Seymour Peterman, who did a bang-up job starring as George M. Cohan, is 83!
He's the oldest actor, thus far, to portray Cohan in a production of one of Deffaa's shows.
Seymour Peterman (as George M. Cohan) with playwright Chip Deffaa
School kids as young as seven and eight have played the role of George M. Cohan in productions of Deffaa's shows. (For an example, see the page on this website titled "A Young Actors Production." Ryan Low was just seven years old when he appeared as young George in the production seen on that page.) The Cohan story works for all ages. And everyone knows and loves the classic Cohan songs. The Concordia Players had the whole audience singing along on "You're a Grand Old Flag."
Playwright Chip Deffaa (at center) congratulates the Concordia Players after attending one of their performances. This dedicated senior-theater group spent several months preparing for their production.
Seymour Peterman captured well Cohan's feisty spirit. In this scene, he upbraids a theater-owner who doesn't seem to appreciate Cohan's brash manner.
Alvin Blumenfeld (as theater-owner Brady Shinn) and Seymour Peterman as George M. Cohan
At left--playing "The Four Cohans": Abe Cohen as "Jerry Cohan" (George's father), Eleanor Abati as "Nellie Cohan" (George's mother), Esther Drucker as "Josie Cohan" (George's sister), and Seymour Peterman as "George M. Cohan."
Frank Ponisi portrays Cohan's close friend and business partner, Sam Harris.
Seymour Peterman and Sal Bambino sing "45 Minutes from Broadway."
Seasoned director Tony Adase (seen in the photo above, working with the cast) devoted several months to mounting this Concordia Players production of George M. Cohan: In his Own Words. Over the years, he has directed shows for a number of theater companies in the region, including Plays in the Park, the Villagers, Somerset Valley Players, and Playhouse 22. With permission from playwright Chip Deffaa, he adapted the script of George M. Cohan: In His Own Words so he could best showcase the strengths of his performers.
Other featured players in the production included Linda Hoffman (as Cohan's first wife) , Phyllis Cassell (as Cohan's second wife), Maxine Silverberg (as a a lead singer), John Abati (as a director), and Emely Cook (as a stage manager).
The show was produced by Bert Bergen, assisted by Julie Marks; Joe Sherbin served as music director; and Susan Zuckerman choreographed.
This musical play is published by Samuel French Inc., and may be licensed from them by calling (212) 206-8990, or by econtacting them via their website: www.samuelfrench.com
This show can work for any type of theater--whether it's presented by a youth-theater company, a school or college, a community theater or regional theater, or a senior-theater group.
Other cast-members in the Concordia Players production included: Jeannie Austein, Anne Chayut, Corrine Edelbaum, Myra Horowitz, Annette Revzin, Elaine Schaffer, Eleanor Sinder, Phyllis Small, Isabel Weisman, Helen Albala, Tina Barrone, Evelyn Cohen, Millie Fein, Roy Cook, Jack Galin, Gerry Grossfield, Don Hoffman, Red Rubenfeld, Al Schechter, Florence Aber, Ruth Alber, Joan Beck, Sonia Briskman, Roslyn Ettinger, Arlene Fried, Geri Mato, Ethel Tiplitsky.
From left to right: Michael Townsend Wright, Seymour Peterman, Chip Deffaa
Michael Townsend Wright, who was in the cast of the original New York production of George M. Cohan: In His Own Words, got a great kick out of seeing this production by the Concordia Players. He loved the enthusiasm and energy that they brought to the stage, and their ability to evoke both laughter and tears.
Playwright Chip Deffaa commented after seeing the show: "I loved the gusto with which they brought this show to life. Director Tony Adase and company really put their hearts into this production. And music director Joe Sherbin's melodic underscoring, and music between the acts, was a big plus, too. I'm looking forward to seeing more productions by this conscientious senior-theater company. They could do colorful, enjoyable interpretations of any of my shows, from 'The Seven Little Foys' to 'The Fanny Brice Story.'"
If you would like more information on George M. Cohan: In His Own Words, or would like to license the show, contact Chip Deffaa Productions LLC, 50 Quartz Lane, Paterson, NJ 07501-3345; tel. (973) 684-3340; Email: OriginalCast1@aol.com.
Or contact: Peter Sawyer President The Fifi Oscard Agency 110 W. 40th St., Suite #704 NY, NY 10018 tel. (212) 764-1100 psawyer@fifioscard.com
