*** When one sees that a new play being done, is in fact a new work by Itamar Moses ( who gave us ” The Band’s Visit”), one is sure to put that on their “to do” or “to see” list. I can guarantee that you will find this thought provoking and at the same time, alarming. As a Jewish person, and having been to Israel, I think, and feel, as if this is my “homeland”, a Jewish State where all are welcome. As we are in the Spring Holiday season, Good Friday/Easter as well as Passover, and Israel is still involved with problems in Gaza and at the same time Iran, this play has a little more “bite” than it might under other circumstances.

Asaf ( a powerful performance by Jordan Lane Shappell) is a college professor and guidance counselor for students. He and his wife, Gwen ( deftly handled by K Chinthana Sotakoun) seem to have a pleasant life living on this unnamed college campus, despite the city having some problems ( racial and religious). Sharpley directed by Jeremy Wechsler, on a magnificent set designed by Joe Schermoly, you will feel that you are at a fairly prestigious university. The majority of the action takes place in a library with great windows and tons of books. The set transforms, or at least part of it ,to their home, and other spots, allowing the action to be non-stop ( except for the intermission between the two acts (2 1/2 hours including intermission).

One of his students, Baron ( a strong performance by DeVaughn Asante Loman) who is African American is having some problems dealing with what has been transpiring regarding “Black Lives Matter” situations. He has a petition that he wants  Asaf to sign, and there is another situation with Rachel ( Mira Kessler) and Farid ( Eliyah Arman Ghaeni) dealing with  the situation of Israel and Gaza. Farid feels that Israel should give the land back to those who were the original residents and let them be.

This is a story that deals with what one truly believes is right versus what one might “think” is right or for that matter, even “feel” right! We learn about white supremacy, the Holocaust, The Israel/Palestine conflict and how one must go forward with what they feel is right. The other cast members, Evan Ozer as Reuven and Sharyon Culberson as Nakia ( and later as a Rabbi) are both up to the chore of bringing the words ( and ideas) of Moses to life.

Credit: Charles Osgood

The lighting (Piper Kirchhofer), sound ( Joseph Cerqua) and props ( a fine job by Jonathan Berg-Einhorn) are all part of making this production as solid as it is. I know that there will be audience members who will find some of the ideas against their thoughts and ideals, but if you truly listen to what is being said in conveying this story, you will find that this is what our youth is facing on many college campuses that are not near major cities. While everyone will not agree with what you see and hear, it will give you what is called ” food for thought”,

” The Ally” will continue Thru – May 2nd with performances as follows: