On the second and third nights of Hanukkah, we welcomed two vibrant audiences for a production of BAD JEWS by Joshua Harmon, a fierce, biting comedy about family, faith, and what you choose to believe. The evening will also featured a photo diary installation based on the community’s response to the question: “What does being Jewish mean to me?” Each night before the performance, we had a mini Hanukkah celebration with food and drink, and we held a livestream for folks who couldn’t be with us in person. Chag Sameach! Thank you to all who joined us!
“What a magnetic show to be working on in 2023.
The actors brought their immense presence and attention to rehearsal everyday.
This, along with our immersive photo gallery made it a riveting and engrossing storytelling experience.”
—Rachel Sabo-Hedges (Director)
Photos by Chris Kapcia:
MEET THE COMPANY
SAM SHERMAN (Liam) (they/he)
Born and raised in Washington D.C., Sam is an actor, poet, and director. After graduating with a BFA in Acting from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Sam moved to New York City to pursue a Kenan Fellowship with Lincoln Center Education and a career in theatre & film. Their recent credits include “Variations on a Blueprint,” an original devised performance created in collaboration with LCE, as well as a few projects with Voices Festival Productions in Washington: “Home?” by Hend Ayoub, a story about a Palestinian woman’s journey to become an actor in Israel (as asst. director), “Ukrainians Under Siege Year II,” a festival honoring new works by Ukrainian playwrights (as an actor), along with a workshop of “Balfour,” a new play by critically acclaimed Israeli playwright Motti Lerner (as an actor). Sam is grateful to be joining Off The Lane in helping bring this story to life and to peel back layers of the Jewish American experience. They currently split their time between New York and D.C.
YASMIN RANZ-LIND (Daphna) (she/her)
Yasmin Ranz-Lind is beyond thrilled to be working on one of her favorite pieces with likeminded Jewish collaborators. Recent performances include the titular role in “Everyday Charlie” at the Tank and originating the role of Princess/Chambermaid in “Allerleirauh: a New Musical” at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Endless thanks to Sophie, Rachel, TLJ, her supportive friends and family and the entire cast and crew. BFA Syracuse University. yasminranzlind.com, @yasminranzlind
NOAH MARCUS (Jonah) (he/him)
Noah Marcus is thrilled to be making his New York theatrical debut! A native New Yorker, Noah grew up on Long Island with a strong theater and jewish community. Proud IUMT Alum! He recently was seen performing on Disney Cruise Line as Maximus the Horse in “Tangled” and in the ensemble of “Twice Charmed” and “Disney Dreams” on the Disney Magic. Noah is so excited to have recently moved to NYC and would like to give special thanks to his incredible family, roommates, and amazing girlfriend Riley for all their love and support! Thank you to Alex Kopnick as well for connecting him to such a talented and kind group of people. Also big thank you to Off the Lane for bringing this project to fruition. IG: @thenoahmarcus
VERONICA HERSEY (Melody) (she/her)
Veronica Hersey is a 2022 graduate of Syracuse University’s BFA Acting program. Recent theatre credits include: Jessica Goldman in “This Is Our Youth” (We Who Wander); Sir Toby in “Twelfth Night” (abridged version at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre); Susanna Walcott/Mary Warren u/s in “The Crucible,” Fourth Woman in “The Secret in the Wings,” and Mae u/s in “Mud” (Syracuse University). Additionally, Veronica was Assistant Director for Gloucester Stage’s 2022 production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and has been House Manager for The York Theatre (Off-Broadway). Veronica is currently the Production Manager of “We Who Wander.” veronicahersey.com, @veronica_hersey
RACHEL SABO-HEDGES (Director) (she/they)
Rachel Sabo-Hedges is a Jewish director from Western North Carolina. Having mostly worked in NYC with new plays and musicals, she also often Associate Directs at Bucks County Playhouse with Hunter Foster. Recent credits include: “Object Lesson” by Brea Glosson (TheaterLab), “Bridges of Madison County” (Assoc. Dir, Bucks County Playhouse), “Rocky Horror” (Assoc. Dir., Bucks County Playhouse), “Parade” (Assoc. Dir., American Theater Group). Film/TV: “Bark and Breakdown” (Webseries 2024), “Shit Happens” (Short Film, 2021).
REBECCA STEINER (Stage Manager) (she/her)
Rebecca Steiner is originally from Scottsdale, Arizona and has been involved in theater since the age of 4. She made her dream of moving to the city in June of 2022 after graduating with a Musical Theater degree from the University of Northern Colorado (Go Bears!). Some of her favorite credits include Woman 2 in “Songs for a New World,” Vicki in “A Chorus Line,” and Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain in “Something Rotten!” In her free time, Rebecca streams PC games and used to be a competitive Counter Strike player during college. She can talk to you about Marvel or Star Wars for hours and is very proud of her comic book collection. She gives a huge thank you to Rachel for the opportunity, to Sophie for being her behind the scenes bestie, and to the cast for their amazing work. So much love.
TYLER JESSEY (Fight Choreographer) (he/him)
Tyler Jessey is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production. His favorite recent choreography credits are serving as fight choreographer in “Romeo & Juliet,” and Fight/Dance choreography in “As You Like It.” He wants to thank the insanely talented cast and directing team of “Bad Jews” for being wonderful to work with. Finally, he would like to thank his son (it’s a cat) for existing.