Powerful Drama “Cherry Docs” Comes to Sarasota Jewish Theatre April 8-19
SARASOTA, Fla. (March 9, 2026) – The Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) will present the powerful courtroom drama “Cherry Docs” by David Gow from April 8 through April 19, 2026 at The Sarasota Players theatre in Sarasota. The production will also feature a special behind-the-scenes program, Be A Theatre Maven, on April 10.
Directed by Diane Cepeda, “Cherry Docs” explores themes of justice, prejudice, and moral conflict. The gripping drama centers on Mike Downey, a small-time white supremacist accused of the brutal murder of an immigrant. The crime appears to be an open-and-shut case, fueled by violence, hate, and public outrage.
Assigned to defend Downey is Danny Dunkelman, a young Jewish lawyer whose father survived the Holocaust. For Dunkelman, the case quickly becomes far more than a professional obligation—it becomes a deeply personal and moral challenge. As the courtroom battle unfolds, the play asks a difficult question: how can someone whose family history was shaped by genocide defend a man who glorifies hatred?
Director Cepeda says the play forces audiences to examine their own beliefs.
“Cherry Docs is the type of show that challenges its audience. David Gow immerses them in a world that initially seems very black and white. As the story unfolds, shades of gray emerge, forcing the audience to confront their own ideas about judgment, tolerance, and redemption.”
— Diane Cepeda, Director
Performance Schedule
- Preview: April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
- Matinees: April 10, 12, 15, 17, and 19 at 1:30 p.m.
- Evening Performances: April 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $34 to $46 and can be purchased online at The Sarasota Players website or by calling 941-365-2494.
“Be A Theatre Maven” Behind-the-Scenes Event
For those who want a deeper look into the creative process, SJT will host its Be A Theatre Maven program on April 10 from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The event begins with a continental breakfast in the theatre lobby and continues with an engaging discussion led by SJT artistic director Carole Kleinberg and director Diane Cepeda.
Participants will learn about the play’s themes and history, meet the production’s technical team to explore the design of the set, lighting, sound, props, and costumes, and hear directly from actors about how they developed their characters. Study guides are emailed in advance to help attendees prepare for the discussion.
Tickets for the Maven program range from $25 to $30.
For more information about Sarasota Jewish Theatre and the production of “Cherry Docs,” visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org or purchase tickets at www.ThePlayers.org.
Photo courtesy of Sarasota Jewish Theatre.