April 12 at Temple B’nai Tikvah: A Breath of Broadway celebrates Jewish culture

(Calgary) – For vocalist Omer Shaish, music is a way to touch the heart and soul – and that is the goal of his one-person performance A Breath of Broadway, coming to Temple B’nai Tikvah on April 12.

In A Breath of Broadway, Omer celebrates Jewish culture by showcasing Broadway music with a Jewish connection, some Israeli music, some funny and some moving songs, and some surprises specifically for the Calgary audience.

“My agenda is to lift spirits and bring us together to laugh and cry and clap and dance, said Omer. “Everything is allowed and encouraged.”

Born in Rishon LeZion, Omer started his performing career as a dancer at age 9. He then attended a performing arts high school in Tel Aviv, majoring in theatre, followed by a stint with the Israeli Air Force Band, where he performed on military bases and in Jewish communities in Europe and Canada. The day after he completed his military service, Omer started rehearsals for Chicago and for several years enjoyed success on the Israeli stage.  In 2007, he moved to the U.S. to study musical theater and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After 12 years working actively in the musical theatre world, Omer realized he most enjoyed being a vocalist, performing as himself.

“It felt right. I enjoy it, I can communicate with the audience and be who I am. I don’t have to stick to a script; I can create for myself. And in that way no show is similar to another. It’s fresh each time. Things happen on stage and you react to it and the audience reacts to you.”

Interestingly, his musical idol and inspiration as a performer comes from Canadian icon Celine Dion. Omer remembers watching the 1988 Eurovision contest, when he was just 5 years old, and hearing Dion sing for the first time.

“I remember my shock hearing that voice,” Omer recalls. “Seeing the magic of that woman, I remember thinking – that is what I want to do. She’s been my idol since then.

“She wears her heart on her sleeve, she is authentic and true to herself and she is dedicated to her audience – she’ll do everything for her fans. She is my biggest inspiration.”

That authenticity and energy is what audiences can expect from A Breath of Broadway, which partially explores the long history of Jewish people in the musical theatre world.

“Jews were responsible for the early industry and are still very involved today,” said Omer, “What I try to do in this show is tell the story of the amazing relationship between the Jewish community and Broadway. In a way, many of those Broadway shows tell the story of the Jewish people without necessarily saying it out loud.”

As an example, Omer points to the classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Written in 1939, the song sent a hidden message of hope to the Jews of Europe. Omer sees the place “over the rainbow where the sky is blue and blue birds fly” as a metaphor, in a way describing what happened a decade later with the establishment of the State of Israel in the aftermath the Holocaust.

One can also find a Jewish connection to the story of “Wicked,” where the green witch is hated only because of her colour. She tries to do good but is often misunderstood, says Omer, which is also the experience of the Jewish people, who are often misread. “We try to do something right, and others say it is wrong.”

A truly wandering Jew, Omer spends very little time in his home in Baltimore. He is constantly travelling, either with his one-person shows, or with an Israeli touring group called Kol Esperanza. Caught on his way out the door to perform and visit family in Israel, having just finished performing on a cruise, Omer is looking forward to gigs in Dubai, Florida, Houston, L.A. – and Calgary!

Omer is very much looking forward to his Calgary performance, and the community is looking forward to getting to know him, both on and off the stage.

“I’m very excited about this event, brought to you by deeply devoted volunteers,” said Rabbi Mark Glickman, who appreciates all those who contribute to the synagogue.

“Supporting the synagogue, in whatever way, lets us continue our sacred work as a congregation.”

A Breath of Broadway is brought to you by a dynamic team chaired by Roz Oppenheim and Debbie Baylin. Funds raised from the event will be used to upgrade Temple’s air exchange and ventilation system (hence A Breath of Broadway!).

“This is an older building and always needs something,” Roz said. “And, speaking for the team, we’re thrilled to bring such a fabulous performer to Calgary. Omer’s show will have something for everyone!”

After the concert, guests are invited to enjoy refreshments in the social hall – and if you’ve ever attended an event organized by this team, you can count on beautiful décor, good wine, and delectable desserts.

Tickets are a reasonable $50 and can be purchased online here or by calling the Temple office at 403-252-1654.