The Jazz Singer (the Play)

By Samuel Raphaelson

The Jazz Singer is a play written by Samson Raphaelson, based on his short story "The Day of Atonement". It debuted on Broadway at the Fulton Theatre in 1925. A highly influential movie adaptation was released in 1927, starring Al Jolson.

The story: Jackie Rabinowitz, the son of Jewish immigrants, has launched a career as a jazz singer, performing in blackface under the name Jack Robin. His father, a cantor for an Orthodox synagogue on the East Side of Manhattan, disapproves of Jack's choices. In the first act, Jack visits on his father's 60th birthday. They argue, and Jack is thrown out. In the second act, Jack is preparing for his Broadway debut, which he expects to be a breakthrough for his career. Jack learns that father is seriously ill, but at first he refuses to leave his rehearsals. In the third act, Jack visits his parents' home before his show, but his father has been taken to a hospital, where he dies. Rather than returning to the show, Jack goes to the synagogue to take his father's place for the Yom Kippur services.

Adapted by David Serero.

• Language: English
• Publisher: World Productions Group
• Release date: May 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463648513

Book preview

THE JAZZ SINGER

by

Samuel Raphaelson

Adapted by DAVID SERERO

Characters in the play:

Jack Robin/Jackie: An inspiring Jazz singer

Cantor Rabinowitz: Jackie’s father, a religious man, cantor at a synagogue.

Sara Rabinowitz: Jackie’s mother.

Mary Dale: Jackie’s co-star.

Mr. Stephens: Jackie’s producer

Yudelson: Cantor’s family friend.

Act I

Scene # 1

Narrator: In New York’s east side, opposite the Orchard street Synagogue, is the humble home of Cantor Rabinowitz, an austere and venerable dignitary, whose beard has grown white in the service of his faith. At his side is a young boy who struggles bravely with the passage of an ancient Hebrew hymn.

(A boy is singing in background and is hindered by Cantor.)

Cantor: No Salmon, No! No! You must sing from you heart my boy! From you heart! You are praying to God.

The boy: Yes Cantor, I will do it again.

Cantor: The words of hymn, you know what they mean?

The boy: Oh no, not exactly I guess.

Cantor: Is that nice? You will never sing in choir. You need to know what the words mean. Now, you listen! I tell you what they mean. Oh Lord! Satisfy us with abundant goodness and purify our heart to serve thee in truth.

The boy: Thank you!

Cantor (exclaims with sorrow) : If my Jackie were here, he could show you how to sing it. He understood these words, even when he was smaller than you.

Sonny (The Boy): Cantor! What happened to your son? Did he really run away?

Cantor (gets infuriated and says) : Who said this? Where did you hear that?

Sonny: Well! Everybody knows he disappeared.

Cantor: Ah! That was long ago, Sonny! I should not have spoken his name. Come on, come! Let’s try the hymn again. (Cantor tries to divert Sonny’s attention from his son)

(Sonny sings the hymn)

Scene # 2

Mr. Stephens: Hey Jack! Can I see you for a minute?

Jack: Oh sure Mr. Stephens, something’s wrong?

(The man stutters, Jack asks from another man)

Jack: