I spoke with Dr. Noreen Green, the Musical Curator of The Violin Maker running in Long Beach, CA. at International City Theatre from April 25 to May 11. She'll also be accompanying Jonathan Rubin on the Shony Alex Braun violin. She's done some fascinating work with the organization Violins of Hope.

BIO: Dr. Noreen Green is the founding artistic director and conductor of the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony (LAJS), which she created in 1994. A trailblazing, inspirational conductor, educator and lecturer known worldwide for her knowledge and skill in presenting music with Jewish themes, she has performed in the United States, Israel, South Africa, Spain, Australia, Canada and the Caribbean. Wherever she appears, Green brings people together through the universal language of music through a Jewish lens. After a 21-month pandemic delay, Green conducted the LAJS in their long-awaited concert as part of the International Violins of Hope Project at The Soraya at California State University, Northridge. She was the Music Curator for the original “Stories from the Violins of Hope” play produced by The Braid and served as Musical Director for a three-week run of the play in Sydney, Australia. In 2023, Green conducted the LAJS in Sunn Stream Productions’ film “Symphony of the Holocaust,” on the life and work of Holocaust survivor Shony Alex Braun. From the Press Release: The 2017 Off-Broadway production extended three times at the York Theatre, where it was the winner of two Drama Desk Awards for “Outstanding Musical” and “Outstanding Lyrics”; the Outer Critics Circle Award for “Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical”; and the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for “Best New Musical.”

From the Press Release: International City Theatre presents the American premiere of The Violin Maker, a new play based on the true story of Israeli violin maker Amnon Weinstein, who gathered and restored ruined violins that survived the Holocaust to create a remarkable collection known throughout the world as the “Violins of Hope.”

Directed by caryn desai [sic], 2025 performances take place April 25 thru May 11.

International City Theatre (at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center) is walking distance from Shoreline Village. Go early and enjoy the day strolling the shoreline, visiting the aquarium, circling the lighthouse, enjoying the view of the Queen Mary. So much to see, all within walking distance. Research your parking options before you go.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --