JMI KlezFest Faculty 2008
modified 31 January 2008

Joanne Borts
Vocal Faculty

Joanne Borts is one of New York's favorite theater and cabaret artists with a reputation as a performer of Broadway music and the rich traditions of the Yiddish Theatre.

Ms. Borts has had the good fortune to perform with Neil Sedaka, The Klezmatics, Khevrisa, the Klez Dispensers, the Klezmer Conservatory Band and Frank London's Klezmer Brass All-Stars at such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center, the 92nd Street Y, The Public Theatre and Carnegie Hall. Her numerous Broadway, off Broadway and tour credits include Fiddler on the Roof with Topol, Cinderella with Eartha Kitt, Funny Girl, Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, and The Golden Land. Joanne recently co-starred with Mike Burstyn in the critically acclaimed On Second Avenue at the Folksbiene Theatre. She is also the director, co-author and co-star of Kids & Yiddish, the highly successful annual off-Broadway family show. Joanne has been a member of the teaching faculty at The Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, KlezKamp and KlezKanada, and has made concert appearances at The Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto and The Monument National Theatre in Montreal. Recording credits include the Milken Archive's Great Songs of the Yiddish Stage with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Only In My Dreams with Deborah Gibson, Mir Trogn A Gezang, and Kids & Yiddish: A Musical Adventure.

Joanne performs the US National Anthem for Major League Soccer, sings lead vocals on a "Folger's" Holiday jingle and proudly serves as Chair for the Center for Social and Economic Justice on the National Executive Board of the Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring, and on the National Council of Actors' Equity Association.

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