Event: Passover Play Based on Work by Anna Olswanger

Shlemiel Crooks: A Passover Musical

A family musical revue based on books by award-winning author Anna Olswanger

Performed by the Poppy Seed Players

Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 11 am, Merkin Concert Hall, 129 W. 67th St., New York City

A boy and his dog stop the ghost of Pharaoh from ruining Passover in this warm-hearted family musical based on the children’s books Shlemiel Crooks and Chicken Bone Man by award-winning author Anna Olswanger. Narrated by Jerry, the family dog, and featuring a couple of dimwitted crooks named Burt and Ernie, this hilarious, warm-hearted new musical is about the importance of family loyalty and the need to follow your dreams.

Shlemiel Crooks, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book and PJ Library Book, grew out of a 1919 Yiddish newspaper article Anna discovered about the attempted robbery of her great-grandfather’s kosher liquor store. Chicken Bone Man, which won the F. Scott Fitzgerald Short Story Contest, is the charming tale of the author’s father, who dreams of becoming a blues piano player. After the performance, Anna will sign books. Free Shlemiel Crooks bookplates will be available for every child who attends the performance.

Click here for more information.