REVIEWS (followed by LIST of AWARDS and HONORS):

Hannah Senesh (writer/director):

“Hannah Senesh” a new play with music….fills the theatre with a spirit of human heroism that seldom comes across this effectively in theatrical terms, particularly in telling a story that is true. It is a memorial worthy of its subject, poetic without being “arty”, powerful without being superhuman. It portrays the hero as a person, not an ordinary person, but no less human for all that. The life of Hannah Senesh is an extremely difficult one to wrap up on stage, and this company has done it in what is surely the best possible manner.” – New York Times

“Schechter has shaped an exquisite jewel of a play… brilliantly directed. - Newsaday

It is Life. It is Joy. It is Hope…if you see nothing else this season, I strongly urge you to catch “Hannah Senesh”. – Jewish Journal

“What a perfect person to celebrate. What a beautiful way to celebrate her.” – Daily News

“A riveting evening in the theater”  - New York City Tribune

“Los Angeles is lucky to have an opportunity to share in this artistic and human experience. In this case, the standing ovation was more than earned”. – Daily Variety

“David Schechter directs his play with a keen, unsentimental vision. There is a subtle power to the work that makes it a universal statement on commitment and purpose.”
 – Hollywood Reporter

“Schechter has craftily fashioned a monumental play that will speak as well for the countless partriots and heroes who has not yet been immortalized in literature, as it does for this remarkable soul. “ – Daily Record, NJ

A Little Night Music (director):

“Schechter’s visionary staging seduces the audience completely into his special world”
– Richmond Daily News

Soul Doctor (lyricist/co-creator):

“Filling the evening are infectious melodies by Shlomo Carlebach with new lyrics by David Schechter. Their joyousness demonstrates the reason for the performance’s success.”  - NY Post

“Engaging and moving” - TheatreMania

The Miser (director):

“Ebulliently directed by David Schechter” – The New York Times

Gimpel the Fool & From the Diary of One Not Born (direction/adaptation):

“Beautifully adapted and directed… like a message written on a frosty window pane with a finger of fire. Schechter’s adaptation chills even as it warms. Gimpel is loaded with sight-gags, visualized ideas of genuine wit and frequently awesome beauty, all kept on a simple scale wholly in keeping with Singer’s intentions. This must surely be the best-yet staging of his work, the stronger for its not being blown up out of proportion” – Soho Weekly News

"Thank you! You have made of my stories a masterful dance-play." - Isaac Bashevis Singer, winner of The Nobel Prize for Literature

The White Rose (an opera) “ (director):

“Schechter understands the power of the imagination – Wall Street Journal

“Sometimes words such as “powerful”, “unforgettable,” or “gut –wrenching,” can be overused, the “The White Rose” embodied all of those descriptions absolutely” – Midlands News

The Jungle Book (co-writer /director) :

“Schechter’s work is a knock-out! An original and inventive treat., even the curtain call throws off sparks!” - New York Newsday

Almost September (co-writer/director):

“Almost September” at the Repertory Theater of S. Louis is a brilliantly conceived and lovingly crafted staging of a gentle, sweetly moving story. This show is a must for anybody who loves imaginative, technically superb and enchanting theater” – KWMU FM Radio

Rivers (director/creator):

“An incredibly gifted writer and director, Schechter, who co-authored and directed last season’s magnificent “The Wind in the Willows”  and “Slick of ‘76”  has created yet another compelling work in “Rivers”…a spectacular evening of theater”. – Watertown Daily Times

Blind Date (film) (co-screenwriter):

“A joy to watch!” – Variety

“Hauntingly Hypnotic” – Dark Horizons

Interview (film) (co-screenwriter):

“From its opening frame to its final revelation, Interview hums with life”.
 – Filmcritic.com

AWARDS and HONORS:

New Face in the Theatre: Bringing Fire to “Runaways” – feature article, New York Times

Obie Award (Co-creation of “Nightclub Cantata”)

Boston Emmy Award (WGBH) (Telecast of “Nightclub Cantata”)

Contributor to choreography and book of “Runaways” which received 5 Tony Nominations.

Eight Bay Area Critic Circle Awards (including Best Director for “Almost September”)

Seven Dramalogue Awards (including Best Director for “Almost September”)

New York Drama Desk Award Nomination (“Hannah Senesh”)

Dramalogue Award (for “Hannah Senesh”)

Theatre Pick of the Week, L.A. Weekly (“Hannah Senesh”)

Critic’s Choice of the Week, Soho Weekly News (“Gimpel the Fool” and “From the Diary of One Not Born”

Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay for “Interview” film co-written with Steve Buscemi –

Sundance Film Festival Official Selections: “Interview” and “Blind Date”

Opera/Musical Theatre Grant, National Endowment for the Arts (“Esmeralda”)

“The Seabirds Of Isabella” invited to perform at The New Theatre Festival

“A Letter to Harvey Milk” (Director/Dramaturg): Winner of Five Top Jury Prizes, including Most Promising Musical, at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

“Guarding the Garden” : Published in Lilith Magazine and Torah of the Earth.

“A Talmud Tale” : Published by Ben Yahuda Press

“The Lovesong of J.Alfred Prufrock” : N.Y. Post Page Six feature

“Waking This Morning” invited to perform at August Moon Festival

Best Supporting Actor of the Year (“Our Country’s Good”) - St. Louis Post-Dispatch