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“While the needle was going in the right direction after doing that show, and musical theatre is an important art form, I really wanted to share things that are important to me with the world,” he said. “I’m sure that the 16-year-old me would have been amazed I even made it to Broadway and probably expected me to keep cashing in on the Tony today. But, while I love theatre and escapism, the hard reality of doing the same thing eight times a week is that the ecosystem is really challenging and takes your whole life.”
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So, Stachel chose to make art that meets his personal brief to say something important about his own experiences to help reflect and give voice to others in similar situations. He finds the idea of a “living, breathing, autobiography designed to entertain” an incredibly rewarding use of his talents. He also admits that a solo show is a constant process of revision and re-creation.
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“The biggest challenge when you write from this perspective, and I know this is cliché, is to have what you do be both personal and universal,” he said. “So, you have to find a framing that is taking however many years of life and cramming it into an evening that is going to be entertaining and relevant. And that means being nimble in a changing world.”
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5 shows to see at Chutzpah! 2026
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Since launching in 2001, the Lisa Nemetz Festival of International Performing Arts: The Chutzpah! Festival has present a wealth of global and national performance examined through a Jewish cultural lens.
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With a roster that includes dance, music, theatre, comedy and crossovers of all kinds, the annual fall showcase frequently introduces local audiences to artists who go on to much bigger things at intimate local venues. The full event caledar is posted online and all tickets are on sale at chutzpahfestival.com.
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Here are five recommended events at this year’s event:
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Local Artists Showcase: Opening Night
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When: Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.
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Where: Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway
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A introductory multi-genre cabaret with everything from musical drag from Uriel Yekutiel and music from Hayley K Turner to flamenco from Liat Har Lev (pictured).
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Things My Dad Kept
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When: Nov. 4, 7 p.m.
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Where: Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st
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Playwright and performer Ronit Rubinstein looks into her relationship with her late father and Holocaust survivor, Mordechai, using the template of what he kept in his office drawers.
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Kosha Dillz
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When: Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
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Where: Temple Shalom, 7190 Oak St.
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Rami Even-Esh is rapper Kosha Dillz. A freestyler who has shared stages with the likes of Wu Tang Clan, he also raps about his Jewish identity and family life in often funny fashion.
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Duo Andalus
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When: Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
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Where: Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main St.
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Vocalist Lala Tomar and guitarist Ofer Ronen travel across the Mediterranean region to present an evening of music ranging from historic Moroccan Ladino language songs to classics from Al-Andalus, flamenco traditional tunes and more.
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Yankl and the Beanstalk
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When: Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 15, 3 p.m.
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Where: Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st
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It’s a Jewish take on a U.K. pantomime classic coming straight out of Jewish immigrant communities of East London in the 1880s. With magic beans, a pickle fairy and plenty of popular Yiddish hits of the day, this one will be a real climb up the shtick.
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