‘A Moment In Time,” a drama with poignant scenes between fathers, sons, daughters, wives, husbands, and family, will be performed Saturdays, December 5 and 19, at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, December 6 and 20, at 2 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue in East Windsor. Admission is $30.
The focus is on a woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The play was written, directed, and produced by Jeffrey E. Milstein of East Windsor.
“I created the story from my own mind using fact and fiction. The story is not semi-autographical,” he says. “It is a work of fiction with some facts thrown in.” The play was previously performed in New York City as a benefit for ALS Association’s New York chapter.
Tina Preville of Plainsboro portrays Debbie. Although this is her first “real” play, she has been playing the role of narrator for her father-in-law’s home skits for many years. Auditioning for a play has been on her bucket list, so when she saw the information about the audition she jumped on the chance. Preville is Plainsboro Township’s senior and special events program coordinator.
“I auditioned and got the part of Debbie, the bitchy trophy wife,” says Preville, who was an athlete in high school and at College of New Jersey (then Trenton State). “My friends say I was type cast but I think everyone can relate to someone in the show.”
Actors from West Windsor include Laurie Bershad as Ellen, Sabrina Chevlin as Andie, and Jon Logan as Dan and an EMT.
Milstein, an accountant, founded Jem Productions 13, a theater group, to produce his original plays. “I draw inspiration and patterns for my work from the comedic geniuses of Mel Brooks, Larry David, and Carl Reiner,” says Milstein.
A Moment in Time, Jem Productions, Beth El Synagogue, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor. Saturdays, December 5 and 19, 8 p.m.; Sundays, December 6 and 20, at 2 p.m. $25 to $30. 609-443-4454. www.jemproductions13.net.
