More about
The Story of Esther

Reviews of "The Story of Esther"

"To other schools who are considering your performance in their schools, I say, "Take the opportunity". This is a superb production that reaches children on many different levels, and which can only enhance the spirit of wellness in a school." David Hoskins, Principal, RockHeights Elementary, Victoria, B.C.

"Outstanding musical performance…in a word, it was brilliant!…We experienced as an audience, very important messages related to racism." Joan Hollick, Principal, Fairburn Elementary, Saanich, B.C.

"I was absolutely enthralled with your production of The Purim Story. Our students were equally transfixed…This is a poignant production. We did laugh but the message hit home." Gil Henry, Principal, Monterey Elementary, Victoria, B.C.

"I highly recommend Tears of Laughter Productions be hired to perform at your event…an excellent contribution made to the Calgary International Children’s Festival. JoAnne James, Producer, Calgary International Children’s Festival

"Rather than being too preachy, Stuart Nemtin and David Kaetz of Tears of Laughter Productions, present the story in a funny, hip and lively fashion with catchy music and some audience participation." The Calgary Sun

"Thank-you for your excellent shows and for bringing such good messages to our children." The feedback from those who saw it was very good." Joan Flood, Producer, Northern Saskatchewan International Children’s Festival

"I highly recommend it, and would love the chance to see it for the third time!" Charlayne Thornton-Joe, President, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria

Performances of "The Story of Esther" (1998-2002)

Festivals
Le Galpon, Geneva, Switzerland
Calgary International Children’s Festival, Canada
Northern Saskatchewan Children’s Festival, Canada
Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, Canada
Chutzpah Festival, Norman Rothstein Theatre, Vancouver, Canada

B.C. Schools (Victoria, Sooke, Vancouver - in B.C., Canada)
Sundance Fairburn
Monterey Rockheights
macula Doncaster
Edward Milne Richmond
George Jay Tillicum
James Bay Lakehill
Talmud Torah

International Schools (Switzerland)
International Primary School of Zug
International Primary School of Zurich
International Primary School of Geneva
International High School of Geneva
Inter-Community School of Zurich

Concerts (Canada)
InterCultural Association/SilverThreads Auditorium, Victoria, B.C.
Kelowna Community Theatre
Or Shalom Centre, Vancouver, B.C.

The Show's Creators

Mr. Stuart Nemtin - Performer
Actor, musician and clown, Stuart Nemtin plays virtually all the roles in The Story of Esther. He
is best known as the clown aviator, Major Conrad Flapps. Since l978, "The Major" has delighted audiences in seven countries at festivals, Olympiads, Expos, cultural centres, conferences, colleges and schools. He was the first clown in the history of British Columbia’s Cultural Services Ministry to be funded through the Artist-in-the-Schools program. Stuart has appeared on the award-winning television series, Take Off and The Elephant Show.
More about Stuart Nemtin

Mr. David Kaetz - Composer and Musician
David Kaetz, co-creator and composer of The Story of Esther, is a musician, teacher and family entertainer who is well known for his work in musical storytelling and Klezmer music. He has performed at hundreds of schools throughout western Canada, as well as at Children’s and Storytelling Festivals across North America. He has written and recorded music for numerous storytelling recording, as well as for CBC radio broadcasts.

Mr. Jim Leard - Director
Jim is creator and director of the internationally acclaimed Story Theatre Company of Victoria, known for its tours across Canada and the U.S.A.

Carol Rae - Set & Costumes
Carol Rae, visual artist, print maker and costume/set designer, has painted a magnificent replica of ancient Mesopotamian architecture in our 8 feet high palace backdrop. Carol also designed and made the dynamic masks, puppets and props.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank these organizations for their generous assistance in the original production of The Story of Esther:

Canadian Heritage
British Columbia Arts Council
The Vancouver Foundation
Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) of Victoria
Jewish Federation of Victoria/Vancouver Island
Jewish Community Centre of Victoria
Story Theatre Company of Victoria

[ For bookings or additional information, contact Tears of Laughter Productions ]