Arts & Entertainment

Q&A: Actress Hits the Stage in Drama About Russian Jews

Play will run June 14 through 17 in Manhattan.

Melissa Sussman says she has been acting since she was in second grade. Starting this weekend, you can see the  graduate portray Sarah-Rivka Rubenstein in the The Maltinsky Cycle, a story of family and community set in 19th century Russia. Patch recently spoke to her about the play and her education.

Tell us about your acting career thus far.

I went to college at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts for theatrical training. It was a great experience that allowed me to explore many different techniques and types of theater. I have been nominated for a New York Innovative Theatre Award for Leading Actress and have performed in a range of venues; regionally at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and in Manhattan theaters such as Playwrights Horizons, Primary Stages, Theatre Row, The Bob Moss Theater, The Living Theatre, The Looking Glass Theatre and many more. I have also performed in Old Navy and MSNBC commercials.

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When did you begin acting? Did Lawrence High School help in any way?

I actually began acting in second grade at Number Six School. The show was Peter Pan. I think the entire second grade was dressed up as little Peter Pans and we all came out and sang “I’ve Gotta Crow” — I'm pretty sure my parents still have that VHS somewhere...

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Honestly, Lawrence's arts programs cultivated my interest in pursuing the arts. Since second grade I did our class and school shows every year and I loved it. In high school I was able to participate in our Broadway showcases as well as the Buskins Theatre Ensemble.

My family, teachers and administrators were incredibly supportive and I remember waking up every morning looking forward to the rehearsals at the end of the day. Theater at Lawrence was a great motivation to excel in school while expanding and exploring my artistic abilities.

How did you land the role on Maltinsky Cycle?

In the arts we often say, “Work begets work.” Last summer, I played Lola in Lola-Lola at the NY International Fringe Festival. I played a chimpanzee that evolved into a human and home-wrecked a marriage. One of the critics that saw our play, Aimee Todoroff, happened to also be a director. Aimee asked me if I might be interested in participating in The Maltinsky Cycle and here I am! Just goes to show, you never know who's watching!

What's the play about?

The Maltinsky Cycle is a play written by Maria Elena Torres and directed by Aimee Todoroff. It takes place in a little Russian town called Rezhitsa in the late 1800’s. After Czar Alexander II is assassinated, officials come to Rezhitsa to capture Jewish prisoners. This play is about the Maltinsky family, who run a dry goods business, and how in the course of 24 hours, the tight-knit Maltinsky family, as well as friends, both Christian and Jew, risk life and reputation for the Maltinsky’s eldest son, Solomon, so he can escape to America.

Themes of family, community, loss of innocence, courage and character flourish throughout the play. I love diving into the question of “What makes us who we are?” The play brought out my feelings that our true characters are revealed during times of stress. Noble thoughts and platitude of love and sacrifice mean little if your actions do not mirror your pretensions. You are what you do.

Tell us about your character.

My character is Sarah-Rivka Rubenstein. She is 19 years old and was basically sold to her 48-year-old husband, Bendit. Due to her cold marriage, Sarah-Rivka's only source of happiness is her friendship with the Maltinsky family. When Solomon's life is at stake, Sarah-Rivka is faced with decisions that affect the rest of her life.

Why should Five Towners come out and see the show?

Well, it’s a great show that is filled with questions, conflict and will make you think. The cast is overflowing with talent, our production team is wonderful and we would love for you to come see it!

But aside from that, at the very core, this play is about community. It’s about individual choices and how we can either come together support one another, or…

I think this play will surprise you. That’s one of my favorite aspects of theater; it is open to interpretation which allows everyone to walk away with something different. Through the psychological and inter-personal exploration of crisis, discrimination, and family, we are all able to relate to the unfortunate situation that the Maltinsky’s are faced with. This show will definitely cause introspection but I also believe this play will bring us together as a community.

When and where is it running?

It will be running at the Soho Playhouse Huron Club at 15 Vandam St., NY, NY on June 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. and June 16 and 17 at 4 p.m. (more info in attached documents). To purchase tickets ($18) please visit http://sohoplayhouse.com/ or https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/912411

Definitely wait around after the show and say hi! We’ll see you there!


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