Jews for Ballyhoo

1939 was a big year for the world. Hewlett-Packard was founded, there was a new pope, and oh yeah, Germany invaded Poland, thus starting WWII in Europe. But for a family of German Jews living in Atlanta, it was all about the Ballyhoo. At least, it was according to Alfred Uhry's Tony Award-winning play The Last Night of Ballyhoo, which is being presented by the Broward Stage Door Theater. Ballyhoo is the second part of Uhry's "Atlanta Trilogy," with Driving Miss Daisy being the first and Parade the third. The play centers around the opening weekend of the classic tale of love and loss and Southern bitchiness, Gone With the Wind, and the cast of characters in Ballyhoo is just as entertaining as Scarlett O'Hara or Rhett Butler. You would think a Jewish family living in the South at that time would stick out like a dreidel hanging on a Christmas tree, but this family has so embraced the South that, yes, they even have a Christmas tree in their home. So what exactly is a "ballyhoo"? It's one of the biggest social events of the season, a lavish affair sponsored by their restrictive country club. The desire for acceptance in this comedy will bring audiences to laughter and maybe even to tears. The Last Night of Ballyhoo opens Friday at the Broward Stage Door Theatre and runs through December 31. Tickets are regularly $38, but for students they're $16. Showtimes are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The theater is located at 8036 W. Sample Road in Coral Springs. Visit stagedoortheatre.com, or call 954-344-7765.
Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Nov. 15. Continues through Dec. 31, 2013