Production photography by Carol Rosegg

BROADWAY SINGS THE ODD POTATO

(The Hanukkah Musical for Everyone)

An internationally read picture book, an Emmy Award Winning Television Special, and a Broadway CD performed by 20 TONY AWARD WINNERS, the story of THE ODD POTATO is truly a Hanukkah classic, now entertaining a second generation of youngsters and their families. In 2003, the musical became BROADWAY SINGS THE ODD POTATO at Symphony Space in New York City, starring Broadway and Television favorites, Frank Gorshin, Charlotte Rae, B.J.Crosby, Debbie Gravitte, and Mark Jacoby. Set in the 1950’s as the last of the “live radio shows,” BROADWAY SINGS THE ODD POTATO is easily produced and the perfect event for your next Hanukkah celebration.

INSPIRATION:  When she was growing up, Eileen’s dad told her a story that happened to him one Hanukkah when he was just six years old during the Great Depression, after his own father's death. Eileen’s grandmother was a very poor immigrant from Austria. She owned almost nothing but had a great imagination that allowed her six year old son to have a very special Hanukkah.

SYNOPSIS:
14 year old Rachel Levy wants to celebrate Hanukkah
the way she remembers it before the death of her mother
a year earlier. She looks everywhere for the family
Hanukkah menorah her grandmother brought with her from
the “Old Country.” Rachel’s 9 year old brother, Sammy, wants
to compete in the Hebrew School Hanukkah Talent Show,
but needs his father in the act. Mr. Levy, still grieving , seems
to be no help to either child. But Rachel has a “miraculous
idea” when she goes to Mr. Weintraub’s Grocery to buy
potatoes for the first night of Hanukkah and remembers her
mother’s childhood story. Proving that “a little imagination goes
a long, long way,” THE ODD POTATO celebrates family tradition,
peppered with a little boy’s zany antics. Now, approaching
three decades, the story continues to speak to the heart as
it tickles the funny-bone.

COMING IN 2017
So, how does a little family story earn an EMMY AWARD, intrigue 20 TONY AWARD WINNERS to produce the musical on CD, represent Hanukkah at LINCOLN CENTER'S holiday songwriters' concert, and continue to earn NATIONAL SONGWRITING AWARDS? Well, why not go to the source…to the gal who has been there every step of the way. Beginning Fall 2017, author Eileen Bluestone Sherman will present a "behind the scenes" one-hour event, revealing the "story behind the story of THE ODD POTATO. A little bit of song; a little bit of dance, some wonderful show biz stories, and a few hints of what's in store for the future. This is a perfect event for anyone who loves Broadway and loves Hanukkah!

LICENSING:
For further information regarding 2017 Bookings or to license BROADWAY SINGS THE ODD POTATO for your next production, please email.

THE NEW YORK TIMES