By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/10/23 – The shared longing to change the hearts and minds of humanity is beautifully illustrated in the movie-musical Soul Doctor presented by Fathom Events as well as Lisa Simone, executive producer. Premiering on its 10-year anniversary Broadway debut, Soul Doctor depicts the harmony legendary Nina Simone and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach created in each other worlds through song and spirituality by bridging the gap between their very different yet similar communities.
Lisa Simone, daughter of prolific music artist Nina Simone, examines the different themes and takeaways viewers will experience in the Soul Doctor. She revealed to THT and other journalist on a zoom a few days ago, “There are quite a few. I guess joy, inspiration, the power of joy and coming together. Additionally, the fact that so many walls that we erect, whether it’s through our vision how we look different how we sound different and have different backgrounds; underneath all of that there is so much of the sameness that we all share. I believe that is one of the biggest connections that my mother, Dr. Nina Simone and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach had in common. Within their differences there was such a sameness that they recognized each other, that they influenced each other, inspired each other, and they both went on to be prolific presences in the world whose influence continue to touch the masses today.”
Daughter and protege of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Nedara Carlebach discussed in the same interview with us the experience of watching her father portrayed in this play. Nedara uncovers, “Its nothing but pride! My father was born in Europe and was part of a great dynasty of rabbis, but he was raised with a huge openness for all religions. He used to talk about how in his house his father would have the bishop and the priest, and every possible religion come in and they would all come together. Every choice he made along the way reflected his big heart and kindness. I believe his soul came into the earth to bring back the joy and the passion of Judaism that was lost in the Holocaust. He always talked about the 6 million and how the 6 million angels are always with us. So, when I watch him and to see he had this never-ending heart, it makes me want to follow that and bring the loss and trauma into prayer and into meaning; it inspires me to want to do the same in my life.”
A message of harmony and togetherness, Soul Doctor promises to be rich and full of positive messages. Creator Danny Wise exclaimed to us, “This is an atmospheric movie in every sense of the word. I look forward to people coming in and feeling it.” Be sure to catch the Soul Doctor in theatres nationwide, June 13, 2023!