A ‘very Jewish Christmas’ show?

By Eva Trieger

Eva Trieger
Eva Trieger
Omri Schein
Omri Schein

SOLANA BEACH, California — “It’s a very Jewish Christmas show, or a very Christmasy Hanukkah show,” reports Omri Schein, describing “Humbug”, North Coast Repertory’s holiday musical.

The show was co-written by Schein and one of San Diego’s favorites, Phil Johnson.  If those names jingle bells, perhaps you’ll recall the talented pair from their hilarious and endearing performances in NCRT’s “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Schein and partner, James Olmstead, wrote the music for this extravaganza with themes devoted to fruitcake, what Jews do on Christmas, a nativity scene, and more tributes to the, typically, December festivities.

When asked about his own holiday memories, Schein, raised in a Jewish home, was keenly aware that while his classmates were visited by St. Nick, he and his brothers went slighted annually.  Brazenly, young Omri hung a “ratty sock” and was elated to find it filled with treats the next morning. The Santa myth was not debunked until a later date.

Though Schein does not profess to uphold any religious traditions such as attending midnight mass or Ultimate Dreidling, he told me he does go in for the seasonal “Peppermint Mocha and buying gifts for people.”

The holidays mean time with family, and for Schein this is a good reason to visit Minnesota, where his parents reside. This is the perfect opportunity to join together with your family and bring them out to see the non-denominational “Humbug” which welcomes, celebrates and embraces all religions.  Well, almost all.  A post script from Schein, “I apologize in advance as we left out the Wiccans.  Next year.”

December 13-28th

North Coast Rep Theater northcoastrep.org for tickets or call the box office 858.481.1055

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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts.  She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com