A special NY treat

Congregation Emeth of Morgan Hill invites local residents to an opportunity to sample the culture of New York City. The group will partner with South Valley Civic Theatre to present a special performance of  “The Producers” at 2:30 p.m. on July 12. This musical comedy, co-written by Borscht Belt comedian turned movie producer Mel Brooks, tells the story of two men who scheme to make money by producing a theatrical show guaranteed to fail, but which instead becomes an unexpected hit. This creates a business problem for the show’s producers, who must pay out profits to investors, of which there are a few too many. Based on a 1968 film that was controversial because of its irreverent story line, the musical version has since become a theatrical classic.
Although “The Producers” will be performed at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Road, from July 10 to Aug. 8, the July 12 performance is a special event because of the partnership with Congregation Emeth for that matinee. Tickets are $36 and available at www.emeth.net/producers, by calling (408) 778-8200 or emailing ev****@em***.net.
This unique presentation will feature many extra experiences, in addition to the well-loved play:
• Multimedia interactive displays chronicling the evolution of Broadway, including iconic figures like George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, the Marx Brothers and Mel Brooks.
• Videos of Yiddish theatre, Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley.
• An extended intermission allowing the audience to sample a selection of classic New York deli foods, including pastrami and corned beef on rye, drinks like cream soda, black cherry, celery tonic, root beer, chocolate phosphates and desserts.
•Additional deli meats, air-freighted from the East Coast, can be pre-purchased for $15 per pound with ticket orders for pickup after the performance.
Congregation Emeth, a 90-member synagogue, began with a 1976 advertisement in the Gilroy Dispatch that brought together members of the local Jewish community. In 1978, it purchased a permanent home at 17835 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill.
South Valley Civic Theatre has been part of the South County arts scene for nearly half a century. Founded in 1969 as the Gilroy Community Theatre, it incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1974. Early productions were mounted in theaters at Gavilan College, Gilroy High School and some local restaurants.
SVCT is the resident company of the 186-seat Morgan Hill Community Playhouse.