In 1939, when “Gone with the Wind” was having its grand opening in Atlanta, Hitler was invading Europe and Atlanta’s Jews were getting ready for the Ballyhoo Ball, the biggest social event of the year for Southern Jews.  This is the setting for Alfred Uhry’s Tony Award-winning play, the charming and gentle comedy “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” which runs Dec. 1 to 18 at the New Jewish Theatre. Uhry taps his own memories and experiences of growing up Jewish in Atlanta for his characters and story. 

NJT taps its local resources as well. A post-performance “talk back” follows the Thursday, Dec. 8 show, featuring three local women, Shirley Mosinger, Claire Jacobs and Helen Schwartz, both of whom grew up in Atlanta during that era and attended Ballyhoo.  They will discuss their own experiences as well as what Ballyhoo and similar events in other southern cities meant to the Jewish communities of the South.

Uhry focuses on the elitist German Jewish community in Atlanta as they attempt to assimilate into the larger, more socially acceptable Episcopalian community. The play delicately deals with issues of prejudice, assimilation and social and religious identity and faith. 

Gary Wayne Barker directs the production with a cast that includes Peggy Billo, Dylan Duke, Rachel Fenton, Greg Johnston, Laurie McConnell, Adam Moskal and Alexandra Woodruff.

Subscriptions for the remainder of the 2011-12 Season are still available through the box office, 314-442-3283.  Single tickets for the production are available through www.newjewishtheatre.org or the box office, 314-442-3283. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the NJT box office at 314-442-3283.