We are thrilled to invite you to join the production team of Pass The Matzo, a poignant, witty, and timely new play written by the award-winning Rain Pryor.
The Story
Set during a Passover Seder, Pass The Matzo brings together the Bergers (a Jewish family) and the Johnsons (a Black American family). At the center is Liza, the daughter of Sharon Berger and Leon Johnson, who navigates the complex “mixed-race token” experience.
As the matzo is passed, cultural misunderstandings and long-held resentments rise to the surface. The dialogue weaves masterfully between personal family drama and the systemic histories that shape the American dinner table—from redlining and the war on drugs to the persistence of antisemitism. But the clock is ticking: Leon is terminally ill, and this Seder is his final act of “parting the sea” to reach his daughter with the truth.
Why This Project Matters
Originally optioned for television, the project faced delays due to the pandemic and the passing of industry legend Norman Lear. Rain Pryor—acclaimed actress (Head of the Class, Rude Awakening), jazz vocalist, and creator of the award-winning Fried Chicken and Latkes—has reclaimed this story for the stage.
With an Off-Broadway run already in discussion and a production team of seasoned film and theatre executives behind it, we are ready to put this play on its feet.
How You Can Help
We have the theatre. We’re finalizing the cast. Now, we need the final piece: the capital to fund our initial presentation. Your donations will go directly toward:
- Legal fees and production insurance
- Stipends for our talented actors and crew
- Essential pre-presentation production costs
Thre are no promotional perks or considerations connected with any donations made to your GoFundMe.
About the Playwright
Rain Pryor is a powerhouse of stage and screen. The daughter of comedy legend Richard Pryor and raised by her Jewish maternal grandparents, Rain’s work is deeply rooted in the authentic exploration of identity. From her UK tours as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald to her leadership as the Artistic Director of Baltimore’s Strand Theater, Rain brings decades of expertise and a unique, essential voice to the American theatre.
Help us bring this vital story to life. Donate today and help us pass the matzo.
Jay Michaels Global Communications, llc 