Civic Theatre of Allentown’s postponed production of “Indecent,” Paula Vogel’s award-winning play, opened Aug. 17 and continues through Aug. 29, Main Stage, Nineteenth Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown.

The Lehigh Valley premiere of “Indecent” was scheduled for June, but was postponed when a cast member was injured.

Director William Sanders, Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director, says the decision was made to postpone the production to keep cast and crew together to perform the play when everyone could do so.

The groundbreaking play was inspired by the true story of the controversial Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s “God of Vengeance” in 1923. “Indecent” traces “God of Vengeance” initial success, through its tour in Europe, to its abrupt demise on Broadway, including the arrest of the production’s cast and crew who were charged with obscenity.

Asch, a Polish-Jewish playwright, wrote “God of Vengeance” in 1907. He set the stage for an explosive moment in the history of theater.

The play, set in a Jewish brothel, was performed in Yiddish and German. The play’s subject matter wasn’t deemed controversial until it was performed in English on Broadway in 1923. American audiences were scandalized by the depiction of an amorous relationship between two women.

The play features music composed by Lisa Gutkin and Aaron Halva.

“Indecent” was produced on Broadway in 2017 and was nominated for three Tony Awards, winning two Tonys.

Sanders is excited to finally present “this important play.”

“This incredible cast has been rehearsing and researching this play since December 2021,” he says.

The cast includes Pat Birnbaum, Abigail Creighton, Will Windsor Erwin, Kate Pistone, Anthony Rizzuto, Jason Roth and Mark Stutz.

Civic Theater no longer requires proof of vaccination for attendees. The wearing of face masks is optional, but encouraged.

“Indecent,” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17, 18, 19, 29 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Main Stage, Nineteenth Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. Tickets: www.civictheatre.com, 610-432-8943

Sing for America to stage “James and the Giant Peach”:

Sing For America, the theater group started by five singing siblings from Forks Township, will present “James and the Giant Peach,” Aug. 18 - 22, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is based on Roald Dahl’s 1961 children’s book. The story follows James as takes a trip across the ocean in a giant peach accompanied by an assortment of human-sized insects.

Ja’Siah Young, 11, of Easton, stars as James.

Young played Dion in the Netflix streaming series, “Raising Dion” (2019 - 2022). Young has appeared in the film, “Rough Night” and the television shows, “Billy on The Street,” and Nickelodeon’s “Sunny Day.”

He plays Justin Simpson in the upcoming satirical thriller, “Nicole and OJ.”

Sing for America was founded in 2003 by sisters Taryn, Tasia and Teara Gilbert and brothers Jewel and Jorne Gilbert.

Proceeds from “James and the Giant Peach” benefit military families and Mercy Special Learning Center of Allentown. Sing for America states it has raised more than $62,500 for local causes to date.

“James and the Giant Peach,” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20; 2 p.m. Aug. 21 and 11 a.m. Aug. 22, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Salisbury Township. Tickets: www.theartsarecolorblind.com; 610-417-2189

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com.