Bits of Hits was a popular parody show that began in Newark at the YM-YWHA in 1924 in which both playwright Moss Hart and movie producer Dory Schary were involved. After many highly successful productions at the Newark “Y,” in 1977 Esther and Howard Kravitz brought the show to the JCC ( then YM-YWHA) in West Orange. The productions ran until 1985 and drew enthusiastic attendance and participation by many members of the community. It has been 25 years since Bits of Hits and Performers Showcase Café were last performed on the stage of the YM-YWHA (now JCC) in West Orange.
A Reunion for Bits of Hits &
Performers Showcase Café
WHEN: Sunday, May 1, 1 PM - 4 PM
WHERE: Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
TICKETS: RSVP by April 15. Send your check in the amount of $18 per person, and $15 for children under the age of 8, made out to Debby Krasner, 387 Beechspring Road, South Orange, NJ 07079.
Light fare will be served. The reunion is the brainchild of Michael Seidman, who worked as a crewmember on both Bits and Showcase as a teenager alongside his father, the late Media Specialist Danny Seidman.
Bits of Hits and Performers Showcase Café were created by the late Esther and Howard Kravitz, with Bits making its West Orange debut in 1977 and Showcase following in the 1980’s. Bits was an original parody show that began at the Newark “Y” in 1924. Hollywood producer Dore Schary was among its original writers and creators, and playwright Moss Hart among its directors. Many gifted members of the community participated in the show in its West Orange incarnation over the years, acting, singing, dancing, writing and working backstage.
Showcase was a venue in which extraordinarily gifted teens entertained the community in a café setting.
The reunion is intended as a tribute to the memory of Esther and Howard Kravitz whose creativity and drive were responsible for providing lasting memories to so many people.
Please spread the word to anyone you know who participated in either Bits or Showcase. Come and schmooze with your fellow cast members. Your families are welcome to attend the reunion with you.
Calling all “Bits” and “Showcase” alumni, both cast and crew! Please contact either Michael Seidman at mseidman@allaccesspasses.com or on Face Book , Lois Dyer at Penzoe1@comcast.net, or Debby Krasner @ Dkrasner3@optonline.net . Memorabilia such as photos and playbills are actively being sought.