Gal De Paz to star as Shoshana Damari in new musical about Israeli icon

Singer Gal De Paz, known for her runner-up position on this year's "Rising Star," is set to make her theatrical acting debut in a new biographical musical about the iconic Israeli singer Shoshana Damari. Titled "Shoshana," the production marks a significant career shift for De Paz, who will inhabit the role of the legendary "Queen of Hebrew Music."

The musical is written and directed by Gadi Tzedaka, the artistic director of the Hebrew Theater, where the show is scheduled to premiere in late October. "Shoshana" aims to chronicle the singer's cinematic life story, highlighting key milestones such as her immigration to Israel, initial integration challenges, departure from her family home, marriage, and her eventual ascent to national stardom.

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Shoshana Damari is part of Israel’s DNA. Coming from music rather than acting, I felt an opportunity to inhabit the character through the medium I know best – voice, body, stage, and emotion.

De Paz expressed the immense weight of responsibility she feels for the role, stating, "Shoshana Damari is part of Israel’s DNA. Coming from music rather than acting, I felt an opportunity to inhabit the character through the medium I know best – voice, body, stage, and emotion." Tzedaka noted that De Paz's inherent qualities, including "humor, sensuality, boldness, and professional perfectionism," were crucial for the casting, and that rehearsals have revealed her deep emotional capacity and extraordinary stage presence.

The production will feature a live orchestra conducted by Yonatan Perlman, performing Damari's timeless catalog of hits, including "Kalaniyot" ("Anemones"), "Shnei Shoshanim" ("Two Roses"), "Hayu Zmanim" ("There Were Times"), and "Or" ("Light"). De Paz, a seasoned musician with 25 years in the industry, is widely recognized as the frontwoman for The De Paz Band and a member of Lucille Crew. Her career includes opening for Aerosmith and collaborating with artists like Shalom Hanoch and Dudu Tassa. Her recent appearance on "Rising Star" brought her mainstream recognition.

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humor, sensuality, boldness, and professional perfectionism