During a weekend retreat sponsored by two female rabbis, the atmosphere in a country log cabin evolves from shyness and contempt into a tell-all session among adolescent Jewish girls from all types of families and backgrounds. Stories and songs transcend stereotypes to find individuality, heart and humor and to touch on sensitive issues such as pressure, self-esteem, the fast pace of this decade and what it means to be a girl – not just a Jewish girl – in modern society. Meet the loner with the inflatable mattress, the rich girl, the observant young woman with the gay brother, the anarchist, the all-too mature teen and an intriguing mix of other vivid personalities. Songs range from contemporary to pop tunes to upbeat numbers based on religious liturgy, all by the author of Runaways, The Red Sneaks and other challenging musicals for young casts.
Jewish Girlz premiered at the Upper West Side JCC in New York City in May, 2003. The production was directed by Elizabeth Swados.