TrendsMar 12, 2020
Freida Rothman’s New Campaign Stars Holocaust SurvivorsIndependentsApr 10, 2023
New Play Tells Story of Pittsburgh Jeweler Who Survived the Holocaust
At the Prime Stage Theatre in Pittsburgh, “Perseverance” will share the story of jeweler Melvin Goldman.
The story of Pittsburgh jeweler and Holocaust survivor Melvin Goldman, seen at right with his wife, Mildred, will be told on stage through new play “Perseverance” at the Prime Stage Theatre in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh—The story of jeweler Mieczyslaw Goldman, both heart-wrenching and uplifting, is the focus of a new play at Pittsburgh’s Prime Stage Theatre.
Goldman’s customers may have been surprised to learn the somber backstory of their cheerful neighborhood jeweler, who was a Holocaust survivor.
He told his life’s story through a series of audio tapes recorded over the years, in the hopes that someday someone would write about his story. Goldman died in 1996.
Years later, his daughter, Lee Goldman Kikel, listened to the tapes and answered his request, writing her 2019 book, “Perseverance: One Holocaust Survivor's Journey from Poland to America.”
Playwright L.E. McCullough adapted the book as a play, titled “Perseverance,” directed by Art DeConciliis, which will hit the stage this month.
In an interview with National Jeweler, Kikel shared details from her father’s life and how it feels for his family to see his story come alive on stage.
He was better known as Melvin to his customers at his now-closed G&S Jewelry Store in Pittsburgh, which opened in the 1960s and closed in 1988.
He emigrated from Poland to Pittsburgh in 1950, settling down with his family in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, which had a sizable Jewish population at the time.
“My dad’s family started off as a typical Jewish family in Poland, and even though there was antisemitism, they just lived with it,” said Kikel. “But quickly, things turned very dark.”
During World War II, Goldman spent his teenage years in the Auschwitz concentration camp. He lost loved ones, his home, and his health, arriving in the U.S. penniless.
His story is one of hope, however, and that’s what Kikel hopes the audience will take away from her book and the play.
“My father persevered. He just had hope,” she said. “He listened to what his father had said about living on to carry on the name. My grandparents instilled that so much in him that he just somehow carried it. It’s a large message of hope and there are a lot of life lessons weaved into the story.”
As Kikel promoted her book at speaking engagements, she got a better sense of his reach in the community.
“Almost everywhere that I’ve spoken, someone will stand up or raise their hand, and say they knew my father and my father made their jewelry. It’s incredible.”
It’s amazing how many people knew him, she said, considering his business was only promoted by word of mouth.
“He was very quiet and low-key, and that’s why a lot of people came to him. People trusted him,” she said.
Goldman served customers from various religious backgrounds, making a number of religious pendants, even some items that were blessed by popes.
He counted players from the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers among his clientele.
In addition to his inviting personality, Goldman was a “crafty designer,” said his daughter.
“Someone had requested a totem pole. My father had no idea what that was. So, he walked over to the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill and went to the children’s section to look it up,” said Kikel.
“Somebody who worked for the city of Pittsburgh driving a garbage truck; his wife called my dad and said, ‘I want a solid gold garbage truck with diamonds and rubies for the headlights and taillights.’ And he crafted a garbage truck.”
A pool table pendant also was among his most memorable creations, she added.
Goldman had creativity with the expertise to back it up. He attended the Gemological Institute of America in New York, earning his Certified Gemologist Appraiser designation.
Kikel has been sharing her father’s story with a focus on Holocaust education initiatives, but she said she was excited to highlight another important aspect of his life.
“I wanted to talk more about his creativity and what he did,” she said. “He would be thrilled that someone in the jewelry world cares.”
In-person performances of “Perseverance” will be held April 15 at 8 p.m. and April 16 at 2:30 p.m.
With dress rehearsals approaching, Kikel said what she’s seen so far has moved her and her family to tears.
“David Nackman, who plays my dad, he just has the accent and the mannerisms and it’s like he knew my father,” she said.
“Even if you don’t know much about hardship or the Holocaust, everyone can take something away from this because you see these characters from the book come alive,” she added.
Following the April 15th show, there will be a post-play discussion with Kikel and playwright McCullough, as well as Marek Skulimowski, president and executive director of the Kosciuszko Foundation, which promotes cultural exchanges between the U.S. and Poland.
The discussion will be led by Daniel Shaner, a holocaust educator who was named “Educator of the Year” by the Holocaust Center.
A recording of the play also will be available from April 24-May 7 for the public.
Tickets will be available for $10, going on sale in mid-April. There is special pricing available for students and group viewings.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Prime Stage Theatre website.
More on Independents
The Latest
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
