THE RIGHT ROAD TO PONTYPOOL
November 22-23, 2025
By Alex Poch Goldin
From Shtetl to Summer Resort – Jewish Tales from Rural Ontario
In the early 20th century, Moishe Yukle Bernstein built rustic cottages in Pontypool, Ontario and unknowingly sparked a Jewish cultural phenomenon. With humour, heart, and original music, this staged reading brings to life a lesser-known chapter of Jewish Canadian history, where 2,500 Jews gathered every summer in a Protestant Canadian town.
Production Sponsors:
Dan’s Note
“Written by our playwright-in-residence, Alex Poch-Goldin, this funny, heartfelt piece reflects the Jewish-Canadian experience of the early 20th century. While set in Pontypool, Ontario, its story echoes the lives of families who frequented places like Winnipeg Beach, Gimli, and so many other communities where Jewish immigrants came together to build home, preserve tradition, and find belonging in a new land. I invite you to join us for a special staged reading, brought to life by a beloved cast of local performers.”
The Cast
Debbie Maslowsky
Doris Manetta and Others
Josh Bellan
Young Harry and Others
Harry Nelken
Harry and Others
Julia Kroft
Hindi and Others
Dov Mickelson
Moishe Yukle and Others
Sharon Bajer
Mrs. Fanning and Others
Arne MacPherson
Zev and Others
Mariam Bernstein
Rifke and Others
Orit Shimoni
Annie Manetta and Others
Miranda Baran
Young Doris and Others
Alex Poch-Goldin
Sam Manetta and Others
Ross McMillan
Mr. James and Others
The Creative Team
Alex Poch-Goldin
Playwright/Director
Orit Shimoni
Composer
Julia Cirillo
Stage Manager