Bloomington, Indiana – The Jewish Theatre of Bloomington is bringing a touching and insightful story to the stage this May with its latest production, 4000 Miles, a play written by award-winning playwright Amy Herzog. The show will be held at the Waldron Rose Firebay, located at 122 South Walnut Street in Bloomington, Indiana.
Directed by Bill Simmons, 4000 Miles tells the story of Leo, a 21-year-old who arrives unexpectedly at the Greenwich Village apartment of his 91-year-old grandmother, Vera, after a traumatic experience during a cross-country bike trip. What begins as a short visit slowly unfolds into a month-long stay, giving space for the two characters to navigate grief, generational differences, and the complexities of connection.
The heart of the story lies in the relationship between Leo and Vera—two people at very different stages of life. As they clash and connect, the play reveals deep emotional truths in a gentle, often humorous way. As Helen Epstein of The Art Fuse put it, “The contrast between these two closely-observed lead characters—their age, point of view, habits, styles, and elemental assumptions—are a continual source of pleasure in 4,000 Miles.”
Audiences can expect a moving performance brought to life by a talented cast. Martha Jacobs, a member of Actors’ Equity, plays the sharp and spirited Vera, while Ryan Eller takes on the role of Leo. Sofia Salgado plays Leo’s girlfriend Bec, and Laura Rong appears as Amanda, a character who briefly enters Leo’s complicated world.
Performances are scheduled for May 8, 10, 15, and 17 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on May 18 at 3 p.m. All shows will take place at the Waldron Rose Firebay, a venue known for its intimate and engaging atmosphere—perfect for a story as personal as 4000 Miles.
Tickets and additional information can be found on the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington’s website at www.jewishtheatrebloomington.com/tickets. Audiences are encouraged to reserve early, as seating is limited.
This production continues the Theatre’s mission of presenting works that explore Jewish themes, voices, and values through universal human stories.
