Jerry’s Habima Theatre Celebrates 32 Years

For more than three decades since 1992, Jerry’s Habima Theatre at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), and Georgia’s only inclusive theatre company showcasing actors with disabilities, returns with a timely and classic production for all ages.

Habima has brought groundbreaking inclusive theater to Georgia, featuring actors with disabilities performing alongside professional theater artists. This season, the beloved program proudly presents “Fiddler on the Roof JR.,” from March 6-16, at the MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre.

Founded over 30 years ago, Jerry’s Habima Theatre was named for the late Gerald (Jerry) Blonder, who set up an endowment with his wife, Lois, to establish the MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs. This department provides social, cultural, and recreational programming for community members with developmental disabilities. Habima, which means “stage” in Hebrew, is an inspirational theater company that has grown to give actors an alternative means of expression as they achieve new levels of confidence, motivation, socialization, and appreciation for the arts.

Get The AJT Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

These talented performers take center stage in a yearly Broadway-style production highlighting their unique abilities while professional directors, choreographers, and crew work alongside them to bring the show to life. Some actors have been part of Jerry’s Habima Theatre for more than two decades, and on a personal note, a special addition to this year’s show is an evening of honor as Jerry’s Habima Theatre remembers and honors the late Lois Blonder, whose vision and generosity alongside her husband, Jerry, helped establish this transformative program.

Tevye’s three oldest daughters, Hodel, Tzeitel, and Chava, played by Jesse Thomas Duren, Kelly Umstead, and Molly Drumm, sing about finding their perfect match.

At 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, a reception will be held to celebrate their memory and legacy. A ticket includes delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails plus the performance of “Fiddler on the Roof JR.” Those who knew Lois and Jerry, or who want to support Habima, are invited to purchase a reception ticket to join the tribute and reflect on the lasting impact of their dedication to inclusion and the arts.

Lois and Jerry’s daughter, Leslie Blonder Isenberg, said, “Because my parents had a granddaughter with special needs, they wanted to make sure that other kids and adults with special needs would always have a place where they could be themselves while also being a part of something so exhilarating and at the same time, bringing joy to themselves and others. They wanted everyone to have the ability to shine on stage or to do or try whatever they wanted – just like everyone else. Jerry’s Habima Theatre has opened a whole new world for so many people.

It’s so important to my sister and me and our families that we continue our parents’ legacy and ensure that Jerry’s Habima Theatre continues to thrive and grow so that everyone who wants to be a part of it will always have an opportunity.”

Isenberg added, “My mother loved Broadway and used to perform in community musicals and wanted everyone to feel the excitement of being on stage. She always looked forward to the performance every year! I always loved watching her reaction during the show and then after the show, seeing so many of the cast members’ parents who would thank my mom for the opportunities she had helped create and how it had changed their child’s life. My mom never wanted recognition, she only wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Hodel, played by Jesse Thomas Durden, is asking for the blessing of her father, Tevye, played by Jonathan Roytenberg.

“This season’s show is an incredible blend of artistry, tradition, and heart,” said Stephanie Alterman, a 20-year veteran, and theatre arts director and producer of Jerry’s Habima Theatre. In addition to celebrating 32 years of groundbreaking productions, Jerry’s Habima Theatre has been honored this year with a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects award which underscores the program’s transformative impact on the community and its dedication to fostering inclusion through the arts. The continued success of Jerry’s Habima Theatre is made possible by loyal supporters, including Georgia Council for the Arts, The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, The Blonder Family, Wells Fargo, Score Atlanta, Homrich Berg, and Adult Disability Medical Healthcare. Their generosity ensures this transformative program thrives for years to come.

Jerry and Lois Blonder, of blessed memory, set the stage for success with Jerry’s Habima Theatre.

Susie Davidow, retired director of The Blonder Family Department for Special Needs at the MJCCA, summed it up on a final note, “Through the generosity of Lois and Jerry Blonder, of blessed memory, a vulnerable population was given a safe place and a home within the Jewish community. Lois and Jerry had a vision of acceptance, inclusion and love and after Jerry’s death Lois and her family endowed Jerry’s Habima Theatre. I am teary now thinking of the amazing performances but more importantly of the acceptance, love and inclusion that both audiences and cast members have shared. It was with utmost joy that I served as director of the Blonder Family Department for Special Needs for almost 17 years. Lois was always there championing the mission. I so admired and respected her, and she was my friend. I loved her intelligence, generosity, sense of humor and her many acts of loving kindness. I miss her. Yes, I really miss her. But she lives on … look at her family, friends and the standing ovations for the actors on stage!”

And on a final curtain call note, here’s to the immeasurable impact that Jerry’s Habima Theatre has had and may Lois and Jerry’s memories continue to be a blessing. We’re sure they’re applauding and cheering, “Let the show go on!”
Tickets are available online or at the MJCCA box office. For more information, please visit www.atlantajcc.org.