Chutzpah! Festival launches 25th edition with The Flame, Lenny Bruce tribute, and more, November 12 to 23
Offerings at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre also include Take This Waltz and 8 Gays of Channukah - The Musical
SPONSORED POST BY Chutzpah! Festival
Ronnie Marmo in his one-man show I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce.
The Chutzpah! Festival returns for its 25th anniversary with a mix of festival favourites and new discoveries, in a stellar lineup of performances from November 12 to 23.
Music, theatre, comedy, dance, and storytelling presentations showcase exciting artists through a multicultural Jewish lens. The 2025 Festival welcomes performers from across the globe, including Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Israel, and the United States.
Deb Williams
The incomparable Deb Williams returns to Chutzpah! with The Flame, a hilarious and moving evening of storytelling, on November 17 at 7:30 pm. The Flame is a fiery grassroots series where real people share true stories in front of an audience. This edition features a multicultural group including Karen Segal, Dhana Musil, a guest musician, and others. Williams is also hosting in-depth storytelling workshops at The Post at 750 on November 15 and 16.
In the realm of theatre, I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce takes place on November 18 at 7:30 pm. Directed by Joe Mantegna and written and performed by actor Ronnie Marmo, this one-man show explores the life and battles of Lenny Bruce, one of the most groundbreaking and impactful comedians of all time.
8 Gays of Channukah - The Musical. Photo by Elliott Raben Productions
November 13 brings the West Coast debut of 8 Gays of Channukah - The Musical at 7:30 pm. This glittering extravaganza blends Broadway-style musical numbers with hilarious comedy, drag artistry, and plenty of Jewish joy. Eight stories are brought to life by the show’s creators—Gila Münster, Sarah Freia, and Yan Simon—who reimagine holiday traditions with camp, sparkle, and pride. This show also features an opening act by Joylyn Secunda.
Take This Waltz: Celebrating the Music of Leonard Cohen. Photo by Chris Randle
And on November 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm, Chutzpah! and Vancouver Opera present Ne. Sans Opera & Dance’s Take This Waltz: Celebrating the Music of Leonard Cohen. Back by popular demand, this performance inspired by legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen was originally presented in 2022 as a Chutzpah! Plus event. Created by Idan Cohen and renowned bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch, it features Okulitch alongside dancer-musician Ted Littlemore and live musicians.
All four shows are taking place at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre. To purchase tickets and view the full lineup of events, visit the Chutzpah! Festival.
Post sponsored by Chutzpah! Festival.
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