The off-Broadway mounting of Mark St. Germain’s new comedy Becoming Dr. Ruth will end its run at the Westside Theatre on December 22. The bio-play, which stars Debra Jo Rupp as real-life sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, was originally slated to close on January 12, 2014. Directed by Julianne Boyd, Becoming Dr. Ruth opened on October 29.
Everyone knows Dr. Ruth from her career as a pioneering radio and television sex therapist. Few, however, are aware of the incredible journey that preceded it. From fleeing the Nazis in the Kindertransport and joining the Haganah in Jerusalem as a scout and sniper, to her struggles to succeed as a single mother coming to America, Becoming Dr. Ruth is filled with humor, honesty and the life-affirming spirit of Karola Ruth Siegel, the girl who became “Dr. Ruth.”
The creative team for Becoming Dr. Ruth features scenic design by Brian Prather, costume design by Jen Moeller, lighting design by Scott Pinkney and sound design by Jessica Paz.
Below, watch Debra Jo Rupp and Dr. Ruth Westheimer talk about the fascinating and entertaining bio-play!