Act II Playhouse in Ambler presents Becoming Dr. Ruth , a play by Mark St. Germain about the surprising story behind America’s favorite sex therapist and pop culture icon, on stage for four weeks only, Jan. 22-Feb. 17, 2019.
Americans know Dr. Ruth as the petite older woman dispensing frank sex advice on TV with a distinct German accent. But before she became a star, Dr. Ruth had an incredible journey filled with heartbreak, danger, and triumph.
Becoming Dr. Ruth reveals the story of her inspiring life: first as Karola Ruth Siegel, a child who escaped the Nazis; then as a sniper for the Haganah in Jerusalem facing unimaginable dangers; and finally as a struggling single mother and teacher in America who found unexpected success and fame.
Becoming Dr. Ruth stars acclaimed actress Drucie McDaniel (seen in the movies Twelve Monkeys and Girl, Interrupted ), and is directed by Dan O’Neil.
The play opens in Ambler just as interest in Dr. Ruth’s amazing story is mounting. Coincidentally the same night Becoming Dr. Ruth opens in Ambler, Ask Dr. Ruth , a new documentary about her life, premieres at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Like many of us, I knew of Dr. Ruth Westheimer: iconic pop-culture figure and sex therapist,” Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite said. “And when we think of Dr. Ruth, several things leap to mind: her frankness, her height (4 foot 7), her accent, and maybe even the dozens of comedians who did impressions of her on SNL and elsewhere! The reason I chose this show is because I think people will have to pick their jaw up off the floor when they find out what they didn’t know: that long before she became iconic Dr. Ruth, Karola Ruth Siegel went from Nazi Germany, to an orphanage in Switzerland, to being trained as a scout and a sniper, to being wounded in the Israeli War of Independence. And this was all before the age of 20!”
Tickets for Becoming Dr. Ruth at Act II Playhouse are $31-$45. Discounts are available for subscribers, students, group of 10 or more, and seniors (65+). Tickets are available online here or by calling the Act II box office at (215) 654-0200, or in person at 56 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler.