Molly Picon was the First Lady of the Yiddish Stage during its heyday in the 20s & 30s. In this hour-long presentation, Dr. Cypkin will trace the highlights of Picon’s lengthy career.
Molly Picon (1898-1992) was the First Lady of the Yiddish Stage during its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. In this hour-long presentation, part cabaret, part classroom, Diane Cypkin will trace the highlights of Picon’s lengthy career.
As a native Yiddish speaker who has performed in many Yiddish stage productions and who knew Molly Picon, Dr. Cypkin is uniquely able to combine her performance and professorial skills to tell Picon’s story in a way that is both entertaining and educational.
Between singing some of the tangos, waltzes, and fox trots popularized and often co-written by Picon, Dr. Cypkin weaves in highlights of Picon’s life, including a serendipitous meeting with Jacob Kalich, the man who would make her a star, and the making of Yankele, Picon’s first Yiddish musical and its successful European tour. Dr. Cypkin also tracks Picon’s English language successes from her breakthrough in 1961’s Milk and Honey to her role as Yente the Matchmaker in the 1971 film version of Fiddler on the Roof.
Open to adults. Registration is suggested and begins on Monday, August 5th.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Summer Reading | In-Person | History | Concerts & Music |
The Main Library on Plainfield Avenue next to the Edison Train Station. The library offers an extensive children’s room, a Meeting Room/Event Space, and a dedicated Maker Space.
