Mark’s latest play, Bar Mitzvah Boy, debuted in 2018 at Pacific Theatre in Vancouver. The US premiere was at the Chester Theatre in Mass. The script was published by Playwrights Canada Press and was long-listed for the Leacock Medal for Humour.
A Czech translation of his play, Shylock (starring Milan Knazko), ran in repertory in Prague for three years, closing in 2019 after winning multiple awards and being filmed as a television special.
His plays have been produced throughout North America and also staged in Europe and Australia. Shylock has been translated into French, Czech and Dutch. Shylock and Articles of Faith are published by Anvil Press.
Vancouver reviews:
“Two-handed tour de force… Leiren-Young is a Shaw with a peculiarly Jewish piquancy, tantalisingly sweet-and-sour, like my Bubbeh’s celebrated Brisket. Such complex cookery takes deft hands to bring to table.”
Vancouver Observer
“Thought-provoking, uplifting and entertaining. Mazel Tov!”
“A gentle, bittersweet comedy that’s both charming and undemanding—a perfect date show, regardless of your faith.”
US reviews – Chester, Mass:
“Audiences of all faiths or no-faiths will appreciate the humanity of its characters and the dilemmas they face which become evident as the action unfolds.”
“Warm, wise and wonderful…It is rare to see a play in which the story, acting and virtually every production element work so harmoniously together; bravo to director Guy Ben-Aharon for his meticulous creativity and thoughtful staging. The standing ovation which the opening evening performance received came truly from an appreciative audience’s heart. Chester Theatre’s “Bar Mitzvah Boy” is luminous and lovely.”