Tough Jews

By Michael Ross Albert

In Toronto’s crime-filled neighbourhood of Prohibition-era Kensington Market, a family of would-be gangsters tries to support themselves by running a speakeasy out of their domineering mother’s basement.

When a murder is committed and a job goes wrong, the family is suddenly flung into the high-stakes gangland world of American organized crime. In order to survive, they must overcome the ghosts of their past, and plot their uncertain future.

Set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties, the Great Depression, and one of the biggest riots in Canadian history, Tough Jews is the story of an immigrant family’s struggle to rise above their station in a violent, intolerant city.

Luis Fernandes, G Kyle Shields, Blue Bigwood-Mallin; Costumes by Lindsay Dagger Junkin; Set by Adam Belanger; Lighting by Melissa Joakim; Photo by John Gundy

Maaor Ziv, Luis Fernandes, Blue Bigwood-Mallin, G Kyle Shields; Costumes by Lindsay Dagger Junkin; Set by Adam Belanger; Lighting by Melissa Joakim; Photo by John Gundy

G Kyle Shields, Stephen Joffe; Costumes by Lindsay Dagger Junkin; Set by Adam Belanger; Lighting by Melissa Joakim; Photo by John Gundy

Theresa Tova, Maaor Ziv; Costumes by Lindsay Dagger Junkin; Set by Adam Belanger; Lighting by Melissa Joakim; Photo by John Gundy

Production History

The world premiere of Tough Jews was produced by The Spadina Avenue Gang with support from The Storefront Theatre at Kensington Hall in March-April 2017. The production was directed by Benjamin Blais.

The production garnered 6 Dora Award Nominations including Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Production. It was the winner of the My Entertainment World Critic’s Pick Award for Outstanding New Play.