The 25th Anniversary of The Chutzpah! Festival brings a lineup of festival favourites and new discoveries, November 12-23.
Once again, the Festival showcases music, theatre, comedy, dance, and storytelling presentationsby local, national and international artists through a multicultural Jewish lens. A highlight of Greater Vancouver’s arts season for the last 24 years, Chutzpah! Festival once again delivers innovative and entertaining works on the stages of the festival hub, the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre at the JCC, as well as presenting events at The Post at 750, The Beaumont Studios, and the Vogue Theatre.
The 25th Annual Chutzpah! Festival will present hysterical comedy, thrilling theatre and dance pieces that explore belonging and togetherness, community-engaged storytelling, and a variety of music presentations. Throughout the twelve-day festival patrons will also discover workshops, stimulating conversations, and opportunities to interact with creative artists. With an emphasis on Canadian artists, the Festival will also welcome artists from Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Latvia, Israel, and the United States.
“This Chutzpah! Festival is one of collaboration and celebration, combining past Artistic Managing Director Jessica Gutteridge’s vision and my own,” says the new Artistic Managing Director, Shayna Goldberg. “Chutzpah!’s legacy over the last 25 years has been to share the diverse work from a multitude of Jewish perspectives, and the offerings this year are just as thrilling and exciting as any other. For ten days this November, come and experience the best of what Canadian and international artists have to offer.”
The Chutzpah! Festival 2025 lineup includes:
COMEDY
Modi – Pause for Laughter Tour (USA)
November 12 @ 8pm at Vogue Theatre
Modi is one of the most sought-after performers on the comedy circuit today. Chutzpah! is the Community Partner for Modi Rosenfeld’s Pause for Laughter Tour – an evening where the comedian will use his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and gift for engaging audiences to keep us all laughing.
Presented in Partnership with MRG Live
Comedy for Peace (USA/Israel)
November 22 @ 7:30pm at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
Erik Angel brings his project Comedy for Peace to Chutzpah! Aimed at uniting communities through humour and mutual understanding, Comedy for Peace brings together some of the best stand-up comedians – Jewish, Christian, Muslim – for a show of “no politics. just laughs.” This show proves that people of different religions can work and laugh together, and create connections along the way. Joining Erik will be Ashley Austin Morris , Natan Badalov , and Zara Khan .
MUSIC
8 Gays of Channukah – The Musical (Canada)
November 13 @ 7:30pm at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
Chutzpah presents the West Coast debut of 8 Gays of Channukah – The Musical as the opening performance at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre. This glittering extravaganza blends Broadway-style musical numbers with hilarious comedy, drag artistry, and plenty of Jewish joy. Eight stories are brought to life by the show’s creators Gila Münster, Sarah Freia and Yan Simon, who reimagine holiday traditions with camp, sparkle, and pride.
Expect dazzling costumes, original songs, and lively dancing that celebrate identity, resilience, and community. More than just a show, it’s a warm, inclusive space where everyone Jewish, queer, or an enthusiastic ally can share in the magic of the season. This show will also feature an opening act by a local artist, Joylyn Secunda.
PLUS! Check out the Channukah Shuk: featuring the work of local artisans. A perfect place to pick up some gifts for the holidays.
Shtetl Cabaret (Switzerland/USA/Canada)
November 19 @ 7:30pm at The Beaumont Studios (19+ Venue)
Lea Kalisch’s Shtetl Cabaret is a night of exciting collaborations. Featuring Tobias Moss and local Vancouver artists including Mike Braverman and Jason Overy,this show presents a firework of Jewish music, from forgotten melodies, to original songs and even entertaining mashups – from rap to rumba and folk to feminism. Rebbetzin Lea will make you laugh with one eye and cry with the other.
Yiddish Songs of Social Change (USA/Germany/Latvia) The Golden Thread Septet
November 23 @ 7:30pm at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
Yiddish Songs of Social Change is a new program exploring Yiddish music as a tool for and reflection of social change, featuring Lorin Sklamberg and Sasha Lurje, with arrangements by Craig Judelman. With songs in Yiddish and English, Judelman has arranged the songs in a style that reflects the context of the songs themselves and honours the rich centuries-old tradition of using all of these influences to inform the creation of new Yiddish music.
PLUS! November 23 @ 2pm: Join Lorin, Sasha and Craig for a free workshop about Yiddish song and dance exploring both traditional and contemporary versions of Yiddish music and how you can learn to dance along.
MUSIC/DANCE
Take This Waltz (Canada/Israel) Ne. Sans Opera & Dance
November 15 & 16 @ 7:30pm at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
Chutzpah! and the Vancouver Opera present Ne. Sans Opera & Dance ‘s Take This Waltz: Celebrating the Music of Leonard Cohen. Originally presented in 2022 as a Chutzpah! Plus event this operatic and contemporary dance performance is inspired by the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Created by Idan Cohen and Daniel Okulitch, the world-renowned Canadian bass-baritone, it features Okulitch alongside dancer/musician Ted Littlemore and a virtuoso live ensemble of strings and accordion.
Okulitch is known as a versatile singer, who is comfortable performing from Mozart to contemporary operas. He has created leading roles for New York City Opera, Teatro Real, English National Opera, and Opera de Montreal. Working with choreographer-stage director Idan Cohen, they have created an exploration of the modern evolution of art song, while creating an immersive and compelling visual experience.
Presented in Partnership with Vancouver Opera.
DANCE
Common Place (Australia/Israel)
November 20 @ 7:30pm at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
Chutzpah! presents the North American premiere of Common Place by Australian power-duo dancer/choreographer Omer Backley-Astrachan and multi-award winning dancer Jana Castillo . Common Place is a physical exploration of belonging and togetherness, delving into shared action, collaboration, and transcendent synchronization. This intimate duet will invite audiences into a quiet and potent reflection on connection.
THEATRE/STORYTELLING
The Flame (Canada)
November 17 @ 7:30pm at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
The incomparable Deb Williams returns to Chutzpah! with The Flame – a hilarious and moving evening of storytelling. The Flame is a fiery, grassroots storytelling series where Real People share their personal, true stories in front of an audience under Deb’s direction. This edition will feature a multicultural group including Karen Segal, Dhana Musil and others.
PLUS! Deb is back in Vancouver and will host an in-depth weekend workshop prior to the event (November 15 & 16) to help storytellers hone their craft. The workshop will be held at The Post at 750.
I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce (USA)
November 18 @ 7:30pm at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
Chutzpah! is proud to present I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce, a one-man show exploring the life and battles of one of the most groundbreaking and impactful comedians of all time, Lenny Bruce. Created and performed by Ronnie Marmo and directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantegna, this show threads Bruce’s original comedic bits with insights from his writings.
Artist Conversation Series Throughout the Festival
Following select shows in the Sidney & Gertrude Zack Gallery
Chutzpah! gives audiences the opportunity to really connect with festival artists through the Artist Conversation Series. Following select shows, join artists in the Sidney & Gertrude Zack Galleryfor refreshments and hear directly from the artists in casual conversations, facilitated by Chutzpah! Artistic Director Shayna Goldberg, Chutzpah! Artistic Producing Associate Jack Bumbala, and guest moderators.
For more information about the 25th Annual Chutzpah! Festival runs November 12-23, 2025 at Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre at the JCC, 950 W 41st Ave, Vancouver and various other venues throughout the city. Single tickets and ChutzPacks are available online now at chutzpahfestival.com or by phone at 604.257.5145