New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

"Tradition" Art Exhibit Accompanies "Fiddler on the Roof" at Axelrod PAC

originally published: 10/24/2024


Art by Joyce Ellen Weinstein

(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Enjoy an evening filled with "Tradition" in both art and theater as Fiddler on the Roof is presented at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, accompanied by a related art exhibit in the venue's Gallery on Grant. The exhibit, which runs through January 2025, consists of seven artists and one photographer and gives homage to the musical. Art Director Randye Krupnick curated this exhibit to mirror the storyline in Fiddler. Visitors will witness themes of life in Lithuania, cycles of seasons, cycles of life, photos of Israel and modern Op-Art created by an artist with Ukrainian roots.

A wine and cheese reception will be held at 5:30pm on Friday, November 1st in the art gallery prior to the 7:00pm preview of Fiddler on the Roof starring Bruce Sabath, who portrayed Tevye in the Off-Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish). Tickets are $41.50 and include the reception, art exhibit and musical.

The musical explores themes of family, community, faith, life and tradition, which is very important in Jewish culture. The story takes place in rural Ukraine/ Russia. The borders of these countries have been changing for years. In the early part of the 20th century, Lithuania was part of Russia. The characters deal with sadness and despair as their community is ordered to leave their homes and vacate their land because of their practice of Jewish customs and beliefs.

A focal piece in the exhibit is Joyce Ellen Weinstein’s mural of the Kovno Ghetto. Both a painting and a collage, this piece conveys the idea of despair by using artifacts from her visit to Lithuania. Photos of houses from that time frame are included, as well as pictures of the residents of these homes, found during her research in Yiddish books. This piece of art is the cornerstone of the exhibit, centering on the cycles of seasons and cycles of life.

Weinstein has a second piece of art, also mixed media, portraying Sarah and Hagar. Sarah unable to become pregnant, arranges for Hagar to become a surrogate for her child and later, an unpleasant relationship develops between the two women.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



Artist Claire Boren has contributed two works of trees, one in watercolor and one in oil on canvas. Photographer Ellen Rubinstein, a member of the Guild of Creative Arts, is exhibiting photos of Lithuania, a sunset over the Baltic Sea, winter scenes, trees, and scenes of Israel.

Art by Kenneth Weiner

Kenneth Weiner’s unique styles and techniques show dreams and ghosts, both important to the story of Fiddler. Also included is a picture of his Lithuanian great-grandfather, Louis Weiner, who was a Rabbi in the Lubavitcher Hasidic Movement. The photo dates back before the year 1900, similar to the timeline of the musical.

Guild member Arlene Smelson, an art professor at Brookdale Community College, is included in the exhibit with her portraits of mothers and children, brides and the elderly, connecting along with the cycle of life theme in Fiddler.

Art by Nancy Karpf

Nancy Karpf has a unique perspective of capturing moods in her figurative works. Her application of paint and expressive brushwork creates wonderful portraits and landscapes. Her selected work includes portraits of the elderly and two landscapes: one landscape of Israel, and one landscape depicting spring.

Tradition ends with Op Art by David Levy, whose family roots originate in Ukraine. Levy is an award-winning teacher and co-president of The Guild of Creative Art. David was inspired by the exhibit “The Responsive Eye” in 1965 at The Museum of Modern Art. His Op Art image of the Jewish Star illustrates the resilience and tenacity of the Jewish people.

Art by David Levy

Tickets are available at www.axelrodartscenter.com or by calling 732-531-9106 ext. 14. The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park, just five minutes from downtown Asbury Park, with plenty of free parking.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Montclair

Montclair Art Museum Celebrates 25 Years of Acquisitions with A to Sze: Collecting at MAM (2000-2025)

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is proud to announce A to Sze: Collecting at MAM (2000-2025), an exhibition showcasing some of the museum's significant acquisitions over the past quarter-century. The exhibit opened on February 8th and runs through July 6, 2025. The exhibition reflects MAM's mission to represent the rich diversity of American culture, both past and present.



Ocean

Ocean Galleries presents Exclusive Craig Alan Exhibition over July 4th Weekend

(STONE HARBOR, NJ) -- Ocean Galleries is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed artist Craig Alan for an exclusive exhibition over the July 4th weekend, showcasing his bold, visually arresting paintings that captivate audiences worldwide. The exhibition runs Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, with art on display and available for purchase throughout the weekend. Complimentary wine receptions will be held from 6:00pm–9:00pm nightly.



Hand

Hand Paint a Shorefront Souvenir at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

(SURF CITY, NJ) -- Express your love of shore life with a handcrafted memento to adorn your home or to give to someone special. Join a wood painting workshop, "Dreams are Made of Sand and Sun," at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The workshop begins at 7:00pm.



The

The Art House Gallery presents "Art Outside of Architecture" - a group exhibition featuring the Architects that designed The Hendrix

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents "Art Outside of Architecture," a group exhibition showcasing the work of the architects that designed The Hendrix building where Art House Productions resides. The exhibition will be on display at the Art House Gallery from July 5-27, 2025 and features twelve architects stepping out of the structural realm and into a world of personal expression in this dynamic group exhibition.



Ocean

Ocean County Library Toms River Branch presents Laurelton Art Society Exhibition

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Works by members of one of New Jersey's venerable art associations will be on display throughout the month of June in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch. The Laurelton Art Society Exhibition will occupy the Second Floor Gallery, June 9 through July 29, 2025.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Tuesday

Tuesday Night Record Club - Crowded House

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Monmouth University - The Great Hall
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764




 

FREE

FREE SUMMER MOVIE: Despicable Me 4

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 @ 7:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901



FREE

FREE SUMMER MOVIE: Despicable Me 4

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 @ 10:30am
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901



Curtis

Curtis Salgado

Wednesday, July 02, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087



John

John Lee & Friends

Thursday, July 03, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960