THE GIFT AND THE CURSE
A MUSICAL SOJOURN OF MY LIFE
This spellbinding musical journey filled with stories, songs and pictures tells Karen’s personal story as a child growing up in a home of Holocaust survivors as a second and third generation survivor and how she used music to transform the legacy of loss. Based on her father's book, "My Life As An Uprooted Tree", Karen celebrated the strength of both survivors as well as Righteous Ones—those non-Jews who helped save many, this powerful and intimate show is uplifting and educational; an important message of resilience and remembrance that stresses our similarities and human connection. All Ages and religions.
VIRTUOSO
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CLARA SCHUMANN
Presented by WomanLore, bringing to life influential women in history, this two-women show complete with set and costumes brings Clara Schumann to life. Clara Schumann (1819-1896) was the prodigy daughter of Frederich Wieck. Clara developed from a mere Wunderkind into a widely acclaimed virtuoso in her teens. The young Robert Schumann became a resident piano pupil at the Wieck household. Clara, a brilliant performer, and Robert, a gifted composer fell deeply in love. Their marriage was one of the great true love stories of all time. Clara was eternally grateful for the art that was to sustain her through a lifetime of tragedy and triumph. All ages.
A MUSICAL SOJOURN OF MY LIFE
WHO KNEW IT WAS BY A JEW...
Did you know that a lot of Christmas music was written by Jewish lyricists and composers? This comedic show with Tante Kreindl (Auntie Karen) chronicles the contribution of Jewish artists to the history of American music.
BROADWAY BABY
This nostalgic show takes us on a journey through music from the 1880’s to the 1980’s. Karen tells stories, sings and plays the music of those eras. This uplifting, heart-warming and intimate show explores how music developed and changed through the times artistically, politically, socially, morally and stylistically.
STREISAND, SINATRA AND STANDARDS
Meet the person behind the persona as Karen sings songs and tells stories about Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra that you may not have known! Karen celebrates the imperfection behind the perfection we see and hear while emphasizing the true meaning of heroism. This show will deepen your appreciation of these great legends!
IT'S SO CLASSIC!
Join Karen as Ms. Anastasia Truman, which rhymes with Schumann, the world renowned piano teacher as you attend an orientation for new students. Ms. Truman she takes you on an exploration of classical music explaining the differences in the eras from the Medeival through the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist and Modern eras explae performs their music!
THE NASTY NAUGHTY SHOW
Vaudeville meets Burlesque! Enjoy a Sophie Tuckerish, Belle Barthish, Bette Midlerish hour of storytelling and songs as Karen Berk Barak, our mistress of ceremonies, and Nick Sula, pianist extraordinaire, entertain in this funny evening about the misadventures of our loveable hostess!
TO ISRAEL AND BACK...
It's a concert about life, love and the Land of Israel. It is a joyous and poignant journey of decisions, dilemmas and dreams by Karen Berk Barak as she made her way from the USA to Israel and back. It is also an affirmation of faith and belief that every event and decision, even those we don't understand are always for the good. Sing along or clap with lively medleys of Israeli, Chassidic, Hebrew and English songs
WHAT AN OLD BROAD-WAY BABY
The show takes place at an audition with the audience witnessing an actress, in her 50’s, who has just decided to return to her dream of being a singer and actress after a long, difficult road. She brings a friend who has come to support her as she waits her turn to audition. Each segment reveals more about our heroine and aspects of her journey as well as the reality and costs of conforming to what others want us to be. It is within the dichotomous environment of the theater where actors must conform to what someone else wants in order to make a living. The music is comprised of broadway tunes and this great piece will uplift any audience.