Christmastown - A Hanukkah Play by Jacob Surovsky

Welcome to Zuniktog, a cozy California beach town founded in the early 1940's by a small group of Polish Jews escaping the Holocaust. Built in a charming "old country" style, the town looked straight out of Fiddler On The Roof...but then the tourists came. Fast forward to present day, and the town's rustic European architecture has been transformed into a perrenial winter wonderland,...
Welcome to Zuniktog, a cozy California beach town founded in the early 1940's by a small group of Polish Jews escaping the Holocaust. Built in a charming "old country" style, the town looked straight out of Fiddler On The Roof...but then the tourists came. Fast forward to present day, and the town's rustic European architecture has been transformed into a perrenial winter wonderland, coloquially called "Christmastown". But when the city council announces they are going to vote on permanently changing the name, a rift is driven through the community. Zuniktog or Christmastown? History or fantasy? Jewish or Christian?

Christmastown is a dark comedy about the American Jewish experience during the "most wonderful time of the year."

Content warning:
Anti-semitism, violence, death
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Christmastown - A Hanukkah Play

Recommended by

  • Jolie Frazer-Madge:
    14 Aug. 2023
    “ A delightful read that masterfully balances camp and heart. A fantastic play for all seasons, not just the winter holidays. Plus that ending will have you on the edge of your seat! ”

Character Information

The Stein family is written for Jewish performers

  • Yoni Stein
    50s
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Sharon Stein
    50s
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Sara Stein
    70s
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Zack Stein
    23
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Shoshana Stein
    19
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Rachel Stein
    15
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Paul Christiansen
    50s
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Evelyn Christiansen
    50s
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Christian Christiansen
    22
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History