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David in Shadow and Light

Libretto by Yehuda Hyman & Music by Daniel Hoffman
Directed by Nick Olcott, Music Directed by George Fulginiti-Shakar
Choreography by Peter DiMuro and Shula Strassfeld of the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange
Comissioned by Theater J, the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity, and the Foundation for Jewish Culture.
Featuring Will Gartshore, Donna Migliaccio, Matt Pearson, Lawrence Redmond, Bobby Smith, Russell Sunday, Peggy Yates, Norman Aronovic, Matthew Anderson and Carolyn Agan

May 10 - June 15, 2008

"audacious... this genre-defying project is at its heart something very old-fashioned. It sucker-punches you in the heart, and in reaching for a big-sized theme in the end actually grabs it and shakes it like a bible story teller." -The Georgetowner - Click here and scroll down to read the full review

"action-packed musical flows easily... Nick Olcott has assembled an ensemble of 10 outstanding voices." - The Washington Examiner - Click here and scroll down to read the full review

"There’s a whole lot going on in the show, so try not to blink. Bring your attention span and get ready for some crazy biblical fun." -The Express - Click here and scroll down to read the full review"action-packed musical flows easily... Nick Olcott has assembled an ensemble of 10 outstanding voices."
- The Washington Examiner

"a novel illumination of David ... [Matt] Pearson, an engaging presence
... fresh and earnest" -The Washington Post

"sublime violin playing from Mr. Hoffman and a cast in fine voice"
-The Washington Times

"a powerhouse cast… moments that are absolutely beautiful"
- Metro Weekly

"Elegant, yet simple, gestural and dance elements"
-Washington Jewish Week

Read Audience Responses


Artistic Director's Roundtable Discussions: following the Sunday 3:00 pm matinees
Music Festival Discussion: Wednesday, June 4


An epic musical retelling of King David's astonishing trajectory from boy shepherd, to superstar ruler, to aging king as he wrestles with the lowest and purest of human impulses. This visually stunning production incorporates thrilling dance sequences and a post-modern frame through which we can identify with the triumphs and travails of one of the most complex and charismatic figures in biblical history. Run time 2hr 45 min.

Read What the Press Has to Say about David in Shadow and Light
Read Artistic Director Ari Roth's Notes on David in Shadow and Light
Discover More about King David

David In Shadow and Light Press Release
David In Shadow and Light Fact Sheet

Part of the Community-Wide Israel at 60 Celebration

The Annual Arthur Tracy "The Street Singer" Endowment Fund Production
Honoring the memory and musical legacy of Arthur Tracy—the renowned radio, stage and screen singer and entertainer whose talent delighted millions around the world—the arts programs supported by this fund continue Tracy’s ability to entertain for years to come.

Production Sponsored by the Ann Loeb Bronfman Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Embassy of Israel, The Morningstar Foundation, and Irene & Alan Wurtzel.