"MOT" History

MOT grew from the germ of an idea to put on a musical show with Free Synagogue of Flushing Theater Group performers. The surroundings were modest. The performance would have to take place in a barn...Oh no, wait a minute! That's one of those Mickey Rooney/ Judy Garland movies.

Anyway, the venue would be Temple Sholom in Floral Park, NY. The time, 5/91. The list of performers: Mark Lord, Debbie Richardson, Naomi Zeitlin, Marilyn Haas, and Garry Zicholtz. The organizer behind it all was Ellie Mayer, the then Musical Director of Free Synagogue's Theater Group and an active Temple member.

After many meetings and discussions, the list was narrowed down to Mark, Debbie, Naomi, and Garry. They all thought they'd be doing a one-time performance of "We're Into Love" at "Café Sholom" on 5/4/91. Instead, the audience response was so enthusiastic that they decided to continue the act. And so "Music On Tour" was born.

Garry was replaced by Paul Weinberg, and the group met and kept some of the original numbers and added many new ones. Many other improvements were made, such as more harmonies, polished staging, and original dialogue to go with the original opening and closing number, "We're Into Love". Then MOT performed the refurbished show for the 1st time on 2/20/92 at Free Synagogue. Immediately following were 4 performances at Manhattan's 55 Grove Street in 3/92 and 4/92. All of the shows were unqualified successes, and the group was off and running.

Now, over 10 years after that 1st show, MOT is still performing on a regular basis. The group has appeared at Manhattan's "Don't Tell Mama" and other cabaret settings, for various clubs and organizations, at numerous church and temple benefits, and at libraries in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and in the Queens Library System. All told, the group has performed on over 50 different stages, from auditoriums to dinner theaters, meeting rooms, and parks. The results have been unanimous: rave reviews, with many repeat performances.

Given the length and breadth of their run, MOT has made very few personnel changes. Ellie Mayer, its original founder, had to be replaced in 1997 when she moved to Florida. Alan Kingsley, as the new musical director/ pianist, has only added to the artistic and professional quality of the show. Another unavoidable change occurred in 5/00 when Debbie had to leave the group because of the demands placed on her time by her own fledgling theater company. Barri Feuer was the only choice as her replacement, offering the same enormous talent, professionalism, and musicality.

MOT is proud to present its original 70 minute musical revue, "We're Into Love", to an ever appreciative and growing audience. The group's plans to expand its efforts with a 2nd musical revue are in response to audience requests for more of the same, but with different musical and thematic twists. The new show is in its working stages, and will be announced on this web site as soon as it's ready. Please stay tuned!!