Singer Gal De Paz, runner-up on this year’s season of Rising Star, has been cast as Israeli musical icon Shoshana Damari in a new biographical musical.
The production, titled Shoshana, marks De Paz’s theatrical acting debut.
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 will trace the singer’s cinematic life story through major formative milestones.
The narrative follows her arduous immigration to Israel, early integration struggles, departure from her parental home, marriage, and her lengthy journey toward becoming the “Queen of Hebrew Music.”
Shoshana Damari’s greatest songs return in new stage production
The production features a live orchestra conducted by Yonatan Perlman, soundtracked by Damari’s timeless catalog of anthems, including: “Kalaniyot” (“Anemones”), “Shnei Shoshanim” (“Two Roses”), “Hayu Zmanim” (“There Were Times”), and “Or” (“Light”).
“When they approached me, my immediate thought was the immense weight of responsibility,” De Paz shared regarding the casting.
“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 cited De Paz’s specific performance qualities as crucial for the role, noting shared personality traits such as “humor, sensuality, boldness, and professional perfectionism.”
He added that rehearsals have uncovered a deep emotional capability and an extraordinary stage presence that revitalizes the legendary figure.
From Rising Star to the stage: De Paz’s musical journey
The 39-year-old De Paz brings a seasoned musical resume to the stage, despite her rookie status in acting.
Born in Eilat, she has been an active recording and touring artist for 25 years.
She is widely recognized as the frontwoman for The De Paz Band and a member of the collective Lucille Crew, boasting a discography of 11 independent and collaborative albums.
Her industry accolades include opening for Aerosmith at Tel Aviv’s Park HaYarkon in 2017 and collaborating with veteran rockers like Shalom Hanoch and Dudu Tassa.
Her mainstream breakthrough came earlier this year on Rising Star, where she secured second place behind winner Noam Bettan.
The production will officially launch its run in Or Akiva, followed by performances in Kfar Saba, Rishon Lezion, and Petah Tikva.
