Becoming Dr. Ruth. Another flawless staged production by North Coast Repertory Theatre in San Diego. Available for streaming until July 11

Tovah Feldshuh delivers an emotional, powerful portrayal that shows dedication and attention to detail

Becoming Dr. Ruth starring Tovah Feldshuh. Photo by Aaron-Rumley

We are obsessed with Dr. Ruth over here.

Growing up, I would see this small lady with a thick accent talk on TV and would notice how happy and what an entertainer she was. Never ever would I imagine the life she preceded.

It is wonderful to see how organizations like North Coast Repertory Theatre take these stories and through the power of performance, educate us on powerful and historic figures like Dr. Ruth, whose full name is  Karola Ruth Westheimer. As it is standard with this company, the production of Becoming Dr. Ruth is flawless. And the even greater part is that it was filmed and it is available for streaming until July 11. (extended by popular demand being that it was scheduled to close on July 4).

Six-time Tony and Emmy nominee Tovah Feldshuh, has embodied iconic Jewish women from Golda Meir to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her portrayal of Dr. Ruth is clean and precise. From the accent to the high tones, to the eye squinting. Greeting us at the Dr's home in New York City as she packs and is getting ready for a new journey, Tovah quaintly takes us by the hand as she recalls the Holocaust, how Ruth was separated from her parents, taken to Switzerland, and then immigrating to Jerusalem, joining the Haganah as a sniper, all the way to her marriages, kids and rise to fame. 

Becoming Dr. Ruth starring Tovah Feldshuh. Photo by Aaron-Rumley
Audiences will appreciate Feldshuh's dedication and attention to detail as they see her develop this 90-minute piece by playwright Mark St. Germain who also wrote Freud’s Last Session, another wonderful piece of work masterfully staged by NCR years back.

Becoming Dr. Ruth is directed by David Ellenstein with sets by Scenic Designer Marty Burnett, costumes by Elisa Benzoni, Prop Design Phillip Korth, and Sound and Projection Designer Aaron Rumley. Wig Design Peter Herman and Stage Manager, Cinematographer/editor Aaron Rumley filmed the show.

The piece ends in a powerful note that will leave everyone marinating the concept for a while. After the performance, there is a Zoom call with Dr. Ruth herself, Tovah Feldshuh, David Ellenstein, and Mark St. Germain. What a jewel.

Now that everything is trying to get back, the performing arts need support more than ever. Do not make the mistake of missing this amazing production and enjoy it comfortably from your couch, living room, or bedroom through Showtix4U.com on-demand until July 11. Tickets are $35 for individual viewing and $54 for group viewing and can be purchased at northcoastrep.org. 

Check out the trailer for the show here

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