When Rabbi Chaim Potok wrote the novel My Name Is Asher Lev in 1972, he was telling a story that was largely autobiographical. Like the Hasidic hero of his novel, Potok struggled with the conflict between artistic expression and his ultraconservative Jewish upbringing. Potok's famous painting, Brooklyn Crucifixion, is described as Asher's work in the novel. Aaron Posner's stage version debuted two years ago in Philadelphia and became an instant favorite of Lakewood Playhouse Managing Artistic Director Marcus Walker, himself a Baptist minister.

The Puget Sound version debuted at the Broadway Center in Tacoma, where I saw it two weeks ago. It opens as Asher's mother (Paige Hansen) and father (Elliot Weiner) discover his painting of Jesus; this leads to the first of many family arguments about his talent. Posner insists the canvases on stage hold no real images, so we must imagine what Asher (Jeffrey Alan Smith) paints. Smith is a newcomer to Tacoma stages and turns in a believable performance as an artist struggling with his faith. He seemed nervous on opening night, but warmed quickly to a full house. I can only imagine how much his comfort level has grown in the intimate Lakewood Playhouse.

Weiner and Hansen also play the other characters. Weiner particularly stands out as artist Jacob Kahn, who becomes Asher's mentor and teaches him that "as an artist you are responsible to no one ... except to yourself and to the truth as you see it." Hansen plays Asher's mother with the right mix of melancholy and worry. Her sadness helps us understand Asher's view of her, which generates some of his controversial paintings.

The back wall of Henry Loughman's set represents NYC loft windows. Mark Thomason's climactic lighting reveals an important symbol pertinent to Asher's artistic vision. At Lakewood Playhouse, a subtle Star of David has been built into the platforms. Leslie Foley's beautiful violin underscores much of Asher's narration and helps us travel back and forth through time.

As has been widely reported, Director Marcus Walker is dealing with malignant melanoma and approached this play as if it were his last. It would be hard to imagine a more affecting swan song. If you care about beautiful art, please go see this worthy production.

My Name Is Asher Lev

Through March 20, Friday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
$21.50-$27.50
Lakewood Playhouse
5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood
253.588.0042