In 1990s New York City, Orthodox Jewish teens and lifelong best friends Zalmy and Shmuel are intent on saving the world from behind the wheel of their “Mitzvah Tank” van. But when a curious outsider deepens Zalmy’s interest in the secular world of rock and roll and roller skates, Shmuel will have to do everything in his power to keep his and Zalmy’s dreams intact. This road-trip bromance is a funny and heartwarming ode to the turbulence of youth, the universal suspicion that we don’t quite fit in and the faith and friends that see us through.
Single tickets for Next Act Theatre’s 2026-27 season will go on sale Monday, July 13, 2026.
Enjoy Next Act Theatre’s full 2026-27 season for less! Buy Fixed Subscriptions to all four shows or Flex Passes for four flexible admissions to the shows of your choosing. Co-Sponsors Dave Glenn, Sandy Laedtke and Guy and Mary Jo McDonald
Cast
Featuring
A.J. Magoon as Zalmy
Alex Mitchell as Shmuel
Lucas Prizant as Jonathan
Rachael Zientek as Leah
Creative Team
Elyse Edelman, Director
Jeffrey D. Kmiec, Scenic Designer
Colin Gawronski, Lighting Designer
Kim Instenes, Costume Designer
Emma Mehnert, Assistant Costume Designer
Brian Grimm, Sound Designer
Bianca Gonzalez, Props Designer
Jody Hirsh, Cultural Consultant
Carrie Johns, Stage Manager
Star Howard, Assistant Stage Manager