From the Raanana run of Broadway Babes are (from left) Daniella Roman, Limore Badin, Gali Harel, Naomi Winkler and Ilana Gindis 

Desert Rose Productions, a professional Israeli-based English-speaking theater company, is making its debut with a national tour of its highly successful show, Broadway Babes, an original musical revue that showcases the most applauded and celebrated female songs on Broadway, received rave reviews when it played to full houses in Raanana last January. The show highlights the relationships between and challenges faced by six women in their quest to pursue their “Broadway” dreams. 

The play takes place entirely at an audition for an upcoming musical. Among the many who audition are six very different women. Annie is a young drama school graduate full of big dreams and naive enthusiasm. On stage she encounters Maria, a “veteran” actress who has been vying for leading roles for four years and has been toughened by the realities of the industry. We also meet Roxy, a beautiful young woman who uses her womanly assets to her advantage. 

The three youngsters are contrasted by three more experienced ladies who have succeeded in the industry in different ways. We have Lena, a beautiful film actress who needs to prove her abilities on stage. She and Eliza, a successful actress who is the epitome of the creative type - playful, energetic and passionate - have a very interesting history that comes to a head at the audition.  Finally, Sally is the comedienne who relies mostly on her wit and comedic abilities to win the part. The entire audition process is orchestrated by the very talented and over-the-top director, Sebastian.

Grant Crankshaw and Daniella Roman, the founders of Desert Rose Productions, have put their hearts and souls into the show, pooling their skills, talents and enthusiasm by writing, directing, choreographing, producing and performing in the show. “Since making aliya in 1997 both Grant and I have been involved in the English-speaking theater scene in Israel,” says Daniella. “However, this scene is comprised mainly of community theater groups. As professional actors having studied Drama at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, we were constantly searching for a more professional environment where we could hone our craft and make a living doing what we are trained for, and what we are passionate about.”

When they did not find the circumstances that they were looking for, they decided to forge ahead and create them. The result is Desert Rose Productions and its production of Broadway Babes. 

What the audience in Raanana thought of Broadway Babes:

“I enjoyed every single moment. The choreography was superb – every one of the cast very professional with amazing voices. I came out smiling and wanting more."

"I just can’t think of the words to express how much I enjoyed the show! You had six of the best women up there. Thank you all for a wonderful entertaining PROFESSIONAL show!"

"What a wonderful performance. You were all amazing. Please do a repeat. Would love to see it again."

"I thoroughly enjoyed Broadway Babes tonight in Raanana...really felt the wow in this show. The fun on stage was certainly contagious."

For tickets online:www.desert-rose-productions.com or call Grant on 052 374 8996