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| Josh and Rebecca Weinstein |
by Gil Benbrook
This holiday season, Phoenix audiences are getting something fresh, festive, and long overdue. The Bridge Initiative is premiering "Oy to the World: A Hanukkah Musical Revue." a one-night-only celebration of Jewish music, humor, and heritage taking place on December 1, 2025, at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center and presented by The Bridge Initative. With tickets already on sale and excitement building, the production promises to offer a vibrant alternative to the usual lineup of Christmas classics that dominate the month of December.
At the heart of the project are its creators, Rebecca and Josh Weinstein, two local theatre artists who saw a cultural gap in the Valley’s holiday offerings and decided to fill it with joy, music, and community. Their 90-minute cabaret-style concert blends Hanukkah favorites such as “Hanukkah Blessings” by Barenaked Ladies with Broadway crowd-pleasers like “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway…” from Spamalot, along with winter standards penned by Jewish composers including “Let It Snow.” Backed by a full band and a cast of powerhouse vocalists, the show weaves storytelling, comedy, and spirited singalongs into an evening designed to uplift and entertain.
Beyond its musical variety, "Oy to the World" carries a meaningful mission. At a time when Jewish stories are rarely centered in seasonal programming, the production steps in to provide representation, connection, and celebration. “Oy to the World is about joy and belonging,” co-creator Rebecca Weinstein explains, emphasizing the importance of holding space for Jewish traditions during a season dominated by other holidays. With its blend of humor, heart, and cultural pride, the revue aims not only to entertain but to spark a new tradition in Arizona’s arts scene. As the concert approaches, Rebecca sat down with us to share the inspiration behind the show, her and Josh's creative process, and what audiences can look forward to on this unforgettable night.
Rebecca, what inspired you and Josh to create a Hanukkah-centered musical revue for Arizona audiences?
Rebecca Weinstein: "Last year, while Josh was performing in ATC's production of Scrooge, I found myself thinking about the countless Christmas shows we have both done over the years. (So many Nutcrackers and A Christmas Carols!) I kept coming back to the idea that the Valley really deserved its own Hanukkah show! Around that same time, I went to a Bridge Initiative performance and heard they had an opening for a December cabaret. It felt like fate! I pitched the idea, they believed in us, and once they said yes, we hit the ground running. It has basically been Hanukkah at our house since the summer!"
How did you approach selecting the mix of Hanukkah songs, Broadway numbers, and winter classics for the concert?
"We joked that the first rule was to look for "songs that did not sound like they were written by a cantor in 1887". In reality, we wanted a true mix. Some classics. Some songs that feel warm and familiar. A little Broadway. A few winter standards. And a handful of newer pieces that we hope will become future favorites. The idea was to create a set list that feels lively, inviting, and full of variety!"
"Both of us have spent years in theatre, and we have always gravitated toward shows with great music and/or great stories. We wanted the show to feel approachable, quick-paced, and full of joy. Something that music lovers, theater lovers, and Jewish folks looking to celebrate with their community could all enjoy. Josh's favorite thing about being Jewish is the humor so he brought plenty of that into the writing. The tone ends up somewhere between Homer Simpson, Seinfeld, Mrs. Maisel, and a healthy dose of millennial self-deprication."
In what ways do you and Josh hope "Oy to the World" will contribute to Arizona’s cultural landscape during the holiday season?
"We wanted to give Arizona a holiday experience that celebrates something not often represented onstage. If the show helps people learn a little, laugh a lot, and enjoy a night out with their favorite people, that means the world to us. And truly, there are not many opportunities to pull out your ugly Hanukkah sweater, so we hope this gives everyone a perfect excuse."
What can y-ou tell us about the band and vocalist you'll have and how you collaborated with them to craft the cabaret-style atmosphere you’ve envisioned?
"We are incredibly fortunate to be working with musicians who play beautifully and understand the heart behind what we are doing. Our cast is entirely Jewish, so they connect deeply with the stories and jokes about being the only Jew in the room. Our musicians are not Jewish (minus Josh on the drums), but from the very beginning we talked with them about creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed and friendly, like a holiday gathering where every song holds a little memory. They have shaped the arrangements with so much care, giving each number its own bit of sparkle. We feel lucky to have these six wonderful artists sharing their talents with us!"
What do you hope audiences take away from seeing "Oy to the World"?
"I hope people walk out having laughed, grooved, and enjoyed ninety minutes of fun. Hanukkah carries themes of resilience, joy, and the light that gets us through the darker days of winter. If people leave with a smile, maybe humming something new, and feeling like they shared a moment of connection with the room around them, then we have done what we set out to do."
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