Happy Hanukkah! Oh, and Merry Christmas, but to be honest, this is more of a Hanukkah-forward episode, only because "Brighton Breach Memoirs" is very succinctly the story of a Jewish American family, the challenges, foibles and laughs shared amongst the family members as they struggle through tough economic times in the 1940s.
For this episode, the holidays arrived just a little early because I got to reconnect with Jill Bari Steinberg, the amazing actress and wonderful mensh of a human being. JB played Kate Jerome, the matriarch of the Jerome family, in two productions at Virginia Repertory Theatre, first in "Brighton Beach," and then later in "Broadway Bound." Her insight and reflections on the show and its depiction of the Jewish experience are illuminating and the short trip down memory lane was a true treat for me, and I hope for you to listen to.
The result (I think) of my first interview with Jill Bari Steinberg can still be found out there on the Interwebs. And here's the announcement of her being recognized as one of Richmond's Top 40 Under 40.
And, as always, please be sure to check out my website, ChasingPhantom.net, for video clips and other fun background on "Brighton Beach." Happy holidays, everyone! I'll see you in 2025!