Nonna-Generians – Play talks about older victims of broken homes

Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio photo
Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio photo

It’s an issue that rarely gets discussed when visitation rights are brought up between parents, but there’s a lot of heartbreak regardless. What happens to the grandparents when a grandchild is moved across the country? Do the grandparents have any rights themselves?

Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, now in his early 80s, has been writing on the subject for many years now, with books such as “Grandparents/Grandchildren: The Vital Connection” and “Between Parents and Grandparents.” He’s also been carrying around a play about these same issues, called “Nonna,” which made its way into the hands of Richard Kuhlman, director at Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio. Dr. Kornhaber finally gets his wish tonight as “Nonna” premieres for a three-week run.

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More than Zero : Ojaiyes brings Zero Mostel to life with One Man Show

FROM TOP : From left, Steve Grumette, director, and Howard Leader Howard Leader as Zero Mostel Frank Eller photo
FROM TOP :
From left, Steve Grumette, director, and Howard Leader
Howard Leader as Zero Mostel
Frank Eller photo

I have done quite a few plays, and I wanted a challenge,” says Howard Leader.

The actor has gotten what he wanted. Tonight he stars in a one-man show based on the life of Zero Mostel, the gregarious but tormented star of such films as “The Producers” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” as well as the original Tevye in the Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

This new production of Jim Brochu’s award-winning 2006 stage play, “Zero Hour” opens tonight at Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio, directed by Mr. Leader’s frequent collaborator, Steve Grumette.

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