By Bari Auerbach….
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – an apropos time for the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center to present “Cups: A Play by Joni Sheram” from Oct. 12-22 – a comedy tracing the milestones in a woman’s life through the bras she has worn. The Greater Miami Region Mitzvah Chapter of Hadassah will be hosting the Oct. 18 show at 8 p.m. when gently worn bras will be collected to donate to women in need, We felt ‘Cups’ would be a great show to bring the women in Aventura together and to create awareness for Hadassah and other women’s organizations in our area,” said Nancy Doyle, Mitzvah Chapter Vice President, who also serves as group sales director for Broadway Across America. The Mitzvah Chapter of Hadassah also just recently cohosted the second annual “Fit for Pink” event with Olympia Gym that helped raise thousands to support breast cancer research.
‘Bra-vo’ Rave Reviews
Tickets are selling fast for “Cups” a wonderful tale by the late playwright Joni Sheram, who succumbed to cancer last year. The entertaining play chronicles a woman’s life as she reminisces about growing up and how her memories have been shaped by the contours and curves of a first training bra, a strapless, a bra burned in the 60’s, nursing bras and more – each mirroring changes in society. Audiences and critics agree: “You’ll laugh and cry and leave smiling…Cups is ‘uplifting, hilarious, poignant!’”
Denver Post reviewer wrote, “Sheram’s script captures many of the remarkable, kaleidoscopic events witnessed by the past three or four generations of women. While this may seem like a ‘girls only’ show, it isn’t. The depth of Sheram’s writing transcends gender.” Sheram herself once said, “One of the remarkable things about ‘Cups’ is its fourth act…this play really strikes a chord, reminding men and women of stories that are incredibly funny, and sometimes completely heartbreaking.”
Sheram, who wrote for the stage, TV and film, also worked as a grant-writer and was an advocate for the performing arts. “The arts in America are threatened, and I know how important the theater is to maintaining a cultural identity,” she once said. Sheram would most certainly have applauded the debut of the new Aventura Arts & Cultural Center – now kicking off its second season. Located on Northeast 188th Street, the beautiful 326-seat venue boasts state-of-the-art amenities and features programming for all ages and entertainment preferences ranging from concerts and comedy – to dance, drama, educational programs and family fare.
Clasp Tickets Now!
“Cups” has become so successful, the play was licensed and is now being performed by actors around the country. So if you were thinking about waiting to get tickets here in Aventura – “pushup” your timetable and reserve seats now. If you would like to attend the special performance hosted by the Hadassah Mitzvah Chapter on Tuesday, Oct.18, email doylenancyg@ aol.com. “Cups” runs from Oct.12-22 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, 3385 Northeast 188th Street. For more information, phone: 877- 311-7469 or visit aventuracenter.org.
