Penny Orloff Revives One-Woman Show, Celebrating Jewish Family Stories and Showbiz Journey

Acclaimed performer Penny Orloff is returning to the stage with her celebrated one-woman show, 'Songs And Stories From A Not-Quite-Kosher Life,' bringing her distinctive blend of storytelling and music to audiences across the country. The show, inspired by her bestselling novel 'Jewish Thighs on Broadway,' promises an intimate exploration of her family history and career in performing arts.

Orloff's performance, which first premiered at the Seattle Fringe Theater Festival in 2000, has garnered significant critical acclaim. The New York Times described her as 'assured and excellent in every way,' while Broadway World praised her 'self-effacing humor' and 'soft, legit soprano.'

The show offers a deeply personal narrative that weaves together heirloom melodies, family stories, and experiences from her extensive career in theater. With over 50 years in performing arts, Orloff has performed principal roles in iconic musicals like Fiddler On The Roof and Man of La Mancha, and worked with renowned directors such as Harold Prince.

Orloff's performance is particularly significant as a preservation of cultural narrative. As she notes, 'As a Jewish woman, I'm Not Quite Kosher without marriage and children. Still, I am the Keeper of the Lore. I am the only one left to remember the stories, to sing the songs.'

The show is versatile, designed for various venues including small theaters, house concerts, fundraisers, senior centers, and community events. This accessibility ensures that Orloff's unique storytelling can reach diverse audiences, sharing her rich artistic and cultural experiences.

The accompanying novel, 'Jewish Thighs on Broadway,' has also achieved bestseller status in multiple categories, including Comedy and Biographies of Comedians. The book offers a humorous and poignant narrative about a performer's journey, mirroring Orloff's own experiences in the competitive world of showbusiness.

By reviving her one-woman show, Orloff continues to contribute to the preservation and celebration of Jewish American performing arts history, offering audiences a deeply personal, humorous, and touching narrative that transcends generational and cultural boundaries.