JTGR History

Current JTGR board member Judy Subar is one of the founding members of Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids. The 2026/2027 season is dedicated to her.

How it all began

One day in 1992 Judy Subar bumped into Don Herman, who inquired what she had been up to. Judy told him about how she had been collecting information about Jewish plays being performed throughout the U.S. and was thinking about doing something similar in Grand Rapids. Don was intrigued, so they decided to brainstorm over coffee at Arnie’s Restaurant in Breton Village. Judy brought all her research.

Moving forward they brought in Judy Krell (Judy Subar’s sister-in-law), known for her organizational skills, and Linda Albert, a good friend of Judy’s who had helped direct a play at EGR High School and was known for her expertise in communication.

The four of them met in Don Herman’s living room — and that is how it all began. They decided to hold the plays at Congregation Ahavas Israel, since they had a stage and a curtain. One of the first plays performed during the inaugural 1994-95 season was a Reader’s Theatre production of The World of Sholom Aleichem, adapted by Linda Albert.

“We stood in front of the curtains. We stood in front of music stands with our scripts in front of us … and we told some of the stories of Sholom Aleichem. We had a nice crowd for an audience. It was an evening performance with dessert. Things went well for what it was.” — Judy Subar

Finding a home at Spectrum Theater

Some of the early productions were also performed at Temple Emanuel on their Bema. One of the early plays, performed in the third season (1996-97), was This Reminds Me of a Story (What Jewish Humor Says About the Jews), written by Don Herman.

Due to difficulties scheduling shows around Bar and Bat Mitzvah and Jewish holiday schedules, it was around this time that Don spoke with Fred Sebulske about renting space at Spectrum Theater. No one had ever done that before. But Fred said yes, and so JTGR’s relationship with Spectrum Theater began. Now JTGR had access to more powerful lighting, a sound system, and many other things not available at the synagogue or temple. It was the beginning of JTGR becoming a real theatrical company.

A board takes shape

A Board of Directors was formed. Don Herman was the first President, serving in that role for many years and instrumental in helping mold JTGR into what it is today. Cheryl Currier was our first Administrative Director. After Don stepped down, other community members served as JTGR Presidents, adding their knowledge and expertise and helping the organization continue to grow — among them Dr. Jeffrey Frank, Lori Jacobs, Leonard Robinson, and Paul Arnold.

Many more have donated their time and energy to Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids, serving on the board, selecting the plays, and helping with productions. Being Jewish is not a requirement to volunteer — we have many volunteers from other faiths, and there is always room for more people.

Thirty years on

Jewish Theatre has had many growing pains over the years, but we have come a long way in the last 30+ years. In a community the size of Grand Rapids, we should be proud that we have been able to continue presenting shows with a Jewish connection that appeal to people of all faiths. Many Jewish theatres across the country are struggling or have folded. Grand Rapids is truly blessed.

Please help ensure that JTGR keeps the lights on — attend a performance, subscribe, and support JTGR in any way you can.

The archive

Judy Subar has been keeping scrapbooks about JTGR since 1992. They reside at the Jewish Community Archives at Temple Emanuel.