THE POINT

To Believe or Not to Believe…

I’ve played once before in the complex sandbox of Public Relations. In other words, I used to work in PR back in “the Day” (2000-2005); primarily with entertainers. In hindsight I can say with complete confidence that I disliked 95% percent of them. At the end of my run, I found myself burnt out – to a crisp. I left my desk with the intention of leaving for good.
However in 2007, through certain circumstances, I was pulled back to that desk to help raise funds and awareness for two non-profit organizations. One project I had worked on involved a drug counseling center and the other, a pre-school. I found the work to be spiritually rewarding and was therefore successful in strategically planning publicity tactics and pitching the media. It was then that I realized the obvious: I’ll do better at my job if I truly believe in what I’m selling. I launched Global Point Public Relations immediately. Now I’m back in the PR business with a whole new song and dance.
On Sunday night my professional journey led me to the Brandeis-Bardin University, where I was finally privileged to watch a play I’ve been promoting this past month called “The Quarrel”. I already knew the plot; two friends, having survived the Holocaust, are shocked to meet in a park years later, having believed the other dead. One has become a Rabbi and one has lost his faith. What ensues is an argument over Gd, morality and the past; a Quarrel. But though I knew generally what I was going to see, I found myself sitting in my chair while my eyes welled up with tears: I was blown away.
The two main characters, Chaim (played by Sam Guncler) and Hirsch (played by Reuven Russel) argue their respective beliefs with ferocity and great depth of sincerity. Chaim is as deeply passionate about his lack of faith as Hirch is in his devotion to Gd. Further, because of their horribly painful experiences and enormous losses during the Holocaust, they both demonstrate every reason to feel the way they do. While the Quarrel is never really settled, the relationship between these two friends comes across as deep, personal and rich with the history that created it. They love each other a great deal despite their anger, and are thankful for the chance to meet again. And though their beliefs are profoundly different, they share an underlying connection that only they understand. Co writer Rabbi Joseph Telushkin sums up the theme of The Quarrel up perfectly; “Can you love someone whose views you can’t stand?” while Sam Guncler advises; “See it with someone you hate!”
The Quarrel tugged at my personal struggles and when the lights came on and the cast bowed, I noticed that others were affected as well. I appreciate the way the story focused on human relationships as much as it did on our relationship with Gd.
As for me, I’m with Hirsch and I am thankful to have worked with such a wonderful production, one that reinforces my desire to work with clients in whom I have faith. I can’t wait to promote The Quarrel when it comes to California again, and I can’t wait to see all you Angelinos there.

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For immediate release.

PRESS RELEASE

TIMELESS OFF-BROADWAY SMASH HIT TAKES ON FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP IN A POST-HOLOCAUST WORLD

“THE QUARREL” COMES TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 – The enormously popular, critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit play, The Quarrel is coming to the Brandeis-Bardin Auditorium, located at 1101 Peppertree Lane in Simi Valley, CA on Sunday, April 12th at 8:00 pm. An additional 3:00 pm matinee performance has been added due to popular demand. Part of all proceeds will be donated to iVolunteer, a non-profit organization and visitation program that pairs volunteers with Holocaust survivors, providing them with companionship and case assistance www.ivolunteerny.com .

The Quarrel has played to impressive reviews and standing ovations around the country, most recently off Broadway at New York City’s DR2 Theatre. The questions that are raised in the Quarrel are still pertinent today; can you love someone whose views you really can’t stand? How can one believe in Gd when we are surrounded by so much injustice and hardship?

The story takes place years after the Holocaust and focuses on characters Chaim (Sam Guncler; Conversations with My Father, Law and Order, The Sopranos) and Hersh (Reuven Russell; Chaplin, ER, Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys). The two men were inseparable as schoolmates in prewar Europe, until a soul-shattering fight launched them on different paths. Both lost their entire families during the war and naturally assumed the other was also killed. One is now a free-living writer, the other a pious rabbi. The Quarrel begins as, years later; they accidentally meet in a park. Shocked, they soon recover, reminisce, and resume the life-altering argument that drove them apart.

Originally an acclaimed 1950 short story by the Yiddish master Chaim Grade, “Mayn Krig mit Hersh Rasseyner (My Quarrel with Hersh Rasseyner)” was adapted for the screen in 1991 by award-winning screenwriter and producer David Brandis (Showtime series My Life As a Dog, HBO series the Strangers) and noted rabbi and author, Joseph Telushkin (An Eye for an Eye, The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism; co-written with Dennis Prager). The success of that award-winning film prompted the writers to take a fresh look at the piece with an eye toward enhancing its theatricality with a stage adaptation. In 1999, The Quarrel opened in New Jersey, breaking existing box office records before going on tour.

Reserved seating is $26 in advance, $30 at the door; general admission is $18 in advance, $22 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.thequarreltheplay.com. For information regarding group rates, contact Shoshana at (310) 278-5562.

For more information, go to www.thequarreltheplay.com or contact Daniel Ferszt at Global Point Public Relations dferszt@globalpointpr.com or (866) 594 – GPPR (4777).

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Critical acclaim for The Quarrel:

“Compelling… thought provoking.” (The New York Post)
“Sensitive and haunting.” (Author Chaim Potok)
“Affecting… leaves audiences genuinely moved.” (Theatremania)
“Splendid… a ferocious debate between the religious and secular worlds.” (The Toronto Sun)

Advance ticket prices are $26 reserved seating and $18 general admission, available at www.thequarreltheplay.com. Door prices are $30 reserved seating and $22 general admission. For information regarding group rates, contact Shoshana at (310) 278-5562.

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