BECOMING DR. RUTH - Herberger Theater Center - February 10 - 28, 2016

Jane Ridely as Dr. Ruth
photo: Mark Garvin

The compelling, touching and often-humorous story of Karola Siegel, who left her family and fled from the Nazis to join the Jewish paramilitary as a scout and sniper and moved to America to pursue her dreams as Ruth Westheimer comes to life in Mark St. Germain’s Becoming Dr. Ruth from Feb. 10-28 on Stage West at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe.

Jane Ridely is the diminutive Dr. Ruth in the solo performance that Philly.com described as play that “establishes a cozy sympathy with us that endures throughout the 90 minutes of the show” and The New York Times called “a surprising, eventful biography…a distinctive sound, a penchant for humor and an animated personality.”

The story begins with Westheimer’s flight from Nazi Germany at 10 years old and continues to Israel where she became a member of the underground army in Palestine and then to Paris and the U.S. where she learned English, earned her doctorate and found her way to radio, and ultimately, international fame.

The New Yorker called the show “fascinating and heartbreaking … conveys Westheimer’s surprising dignity, courage and resilience” and Theatermania said “St. Germain has crafted an enjoyable tribute to a figure of popular culture who truly deserves it – one whose life has been dedicated to helping and educating others.”

Becoming Dr. Ruth is produced by Philip Roger Roy and Dana Matthow and is directed by Matt Silva based on original staging and direction by Jere Hodgin.  This production was originally produced at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. Scenery and props were built by the Walnut Street Theater.

Tickets are $39.50 to $49.50 and can be purchased at the Herberger Theater Box Office or online at www.herbergertheater.com.

Showtimes are Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.