Encore Celebrates The Arts

Over 1,000 people attended two evenings of sold out performances at the newly completed Axelrod Theater. Ruth Hyman masterfully sang the American and Israeli anthems to open up the evening’s festivities—a show is never complete without her.

Straight from the theatre, Allan Socher’s rendition of “If I were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof rivaled Broadway. Carol and Al Azar, as Goldie and Tevye, sang “Do You Love Me” and added extra spice to the program. They had the audience reminiscing and laughing at the same time. Ellen Jemal was vivacious singing My Fair Lady’s “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” with her Cockney accent. Sarit Botton was a marvelous Celine Dion and Norma Betesh, the young pianist, was a true shining star.

Comedians Marcelle Massre and Hurdle Tawil had the crowd roaring and begging for more. Sonja Cabasso reached into our souls with her superb rendition of Aretha Franklin’s Eleanor Rigby.

Joyce Mizrahi’s magical voice ran shockwaves through the audience. Highly gifted, talented, and charming, her high notes cracked the glass in Phantom of the Opera. Her rendition of “At Last” attested to her versatility as a vocalist. Alphonse Missry, a professional, made the audience smile and laugh, playing a gifted Phantom, as well as a debonair vocalist, singing “All the Things You Are.” Robert Shamah left audience members wanting more.

Hymie Azar and Gloria Serure, the announcers, were a perfect duo. Gloria graced the stage with her charming flair and Hymie, handsome, elegant and quick witted, doubled as a professional vocalist, singing the magnificent duet, “The Prayer,” with Susan Sorscher. Sung in Italian, the performance brought tears and chills to many.

Jenny Kraiem delighted the audience with her moving composition on piano of “Moonlight Sonata.” Lauren Morabia’s voice and guitar, accompanied by her cousin Allie, brought warmth and pleasure to the stage.

Michelle Schrem radiantly singing “Cheek to Cheek” brought the crowd back to the oldies but goodies while Mariel Hidary and Cynthia Massry brought the crowd to their feet with their exotic salsa dance, as well as Mariel’s interactive dance to “At Last.”

David Sutton lit up the piano and amazed the audience with his original classical composition of “Shadows.”

Susan Sorscher came out swinging in “The Main Event.” She really showed us how a vocalist can go from one type of song to another quite successfully.

The Morabia family, each member a virtuoso in their own right, entertained the audience with a gold mine of music from the ’50s and ’60s. Elliott, the father, provided vocals and guitar, Maurice was on drums, Allie on bass, and Laura was on keyboard. What a talented family!

The goal of the program was to entertain people as well as develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the arts. The audience can attest to their success. Both evenings were truly magical.