PJ Library Presents: Beyond The Bookcase

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Passover Playlist 2025 Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

It's time for Passover! Settle in for a playlist full of stories featuring Passover traditions from all around the world.

In Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast we’ll visit Humpty Dumpty as he prepares to host the seder for the first time. Next we'll Chase Joha Through Passover to see how families all over celebrate and get ready for Passover. And finally, we’ll settle down for a lovely Passover seder in Mashal in a special Story for Another Time.

Credits

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.

Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson

Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz

Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA

Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore.

Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).

Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast

Cast

Jacob – Cara Cabal Coniglio
Evie – Sylvia Beth Schmitz
Blue – Maya Aoki Tuttle
Micah – Maxwell Glick
Miri – Arianna Fox
Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley
Golem – Pat Bordenave
Saifair – Tau Zaman
Humpty Dumpty – John Henry Kurtz
Hare – Daniel Amerman
Goldilocks – Maya Aoki Tuttle
Snow White – Laura Schreiber
Chicken Little – Blair Which

Chasing Joha Through Passover

Cast

Auntie PJ – Madelaine Ripley
Evie – Samantha Philyaw
Elijah – Nate DuFort
Micah – Maxwell Glick
Ms. Shouhed – Daniella Rabbani
Farrah – Daniella Rabbani
Joha – Ryan Abedi
Mr. Fodor – Les Horovitz
Catriella – Alli Thresher

Story for Another Time: Passover in Mashal

Cast

Miri – Arianna Fox
Evie – Samantha Philyaw
Blue – Maya Aoki Tuttle
Jacob – Caro Cabal Coniglio
Joha – Ryan Abedi
Elijah – Nate DuFort
Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella
Micah – Maxwell Glick
Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett
Marion Woman in Shoe – Tianna Tagami
Chicken Little – Blair Which
Snow White – Laura Schreiber
Golem – Pat Bordenave
Cinderella – Gwen D'Angelo
Humpty Dumpty – John Henry Kurtz
Dolores the Donkey – Alli Thresher

A Magical Mashal Wedding: The Season 4 Finale Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Prince Charming and Cinderella’s wedding brings a fairytale ending for season 4! Or at least it might. The two royals come from very different backgrounds and can’t seem to agree on what traditions, customs, and creatures to include in the ceremony. They’ll need their friends (including a shockingly revealed rabbi) to help figure out what’s most important. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher Arranged by Peter Moore Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments) Cast

Cinderella - Gwen D’Angelo
Prince Charming - Mike D’Angelo
Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett
Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella
Golem – Pat Bordenave
Marion, The Not-So-Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe - Tianna Tagami
Dolores the Donkey – Alli Thresher

Rapunzel's New 'Do Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Lag B’Omer celebrations are starting in Mashal. With bonfires, treats, a parade, and even a wedding in the works, Rapunzel still isn’t feeling festive. After getting tangled in a few too many messes, her extra-long hair is feeling like a real drag. Auntie PJ and other friends will try to help Rapunzel trim down her stress with a Lag B’Omer tradition. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast

Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett
Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella
Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani
Cinderella – Gwen D’Angelo
Prince Charming - Mike D’Angelo
Merry Men- Gregory David Barnett, Pat Bordenave, Walter Alice Sickert, Nate DuFort
Golem – Pat Bordenave

Golem's Challah Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Auntie PJ and Elijah’s treasure hunt gets sticky, and not just because of their doughnut-smeared map. It’s almost time for Shabbat and they need to pause their search — not to start resting right away, but to help the woman who lives in a shoe. You see, she has so many children but nowhere to get them a challah for a peaceful sabbath. Who knew Golem’s got bread-braiding skills? Credits
Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz
Story Editor: Alli Thresher
Writer: Petey Gibson
Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA
Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore.
Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast

Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella
Elijah – Nate DuFort
Marion, the Not-So-Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe – Tianna Tagami
Kids 1,2,3 - Alli Thresher
Golem – Pat Bordenave
Don Swan – LD Castro

Bubbe's Miracle Bread Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Bubbe and Zev the wolf are having a blast as roommates. They’ve had music, dancing, and pre-Shabbat shindigs, but there hasn’t been room in their budget to fill their bellies on Friday nights. When neither of them is able to earn enough dough to surprise the other with challah, their kind acts may be just the ingredients they need for a fresh-baked miracle. An update on a classic Jewish folk tale. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast

Golem – Pat Bordenave
Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella
Zev – Walter Alice Sickert
Little Red – Anne Alexander Sieder
Bubbe – Edrie
Kids –Richard Wentworth, Alli Thresher, Blair Which
Random Folks – Richard Wentworth, Alli Thresher, Blair Which
Very Little Kid – Blair Which

Mermaid Murmurs Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

Who told Mr. Saifair that Rapunzel is a noodle-head? Is it okay to call Shirley an apple tree (when she’s obviously avocado)? And did Prince Charming spread a hairy rumor that he heard from … a mermaid? This wave of gossip is more tangled than a head of uncombed spaghetti. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast

Elijah – Nate DuFort
Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani
Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett
Kid/Daughter – Alli Thresher
Junie the Mermaid – Yolanda Spearman
Prince Charming – Mike D'Angelo
Cinderella – Gwen D'Angelo
Marion the Not-So-Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe – Tianna Tagami

It's Chag Habanot! Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Marion is hosting a gathering for Chag Habanot, the North African Hanukkah festival of daughters. But all the pressure has her being a bit unkind to her friends. Learn all about this holiday plus a valuable lesson about respect and friendship. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid and Rinat Hadad Siegel
Consultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast

Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella
Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani
Snow White – Laura Schreiber
Marion, the not-so-old woman who lives in a shoe - Tianna Tagami
Cinderella – Gwen D’Angelo
Prince Charming – Mike D’Angelo
Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett
Queenie (Queen Bee) – Niki Luparelli
Mama Bear – Yolanda Spearman
Mary Quite Contrary – Journee LaFond
Mermaid – Yolanda Spearman
Mermaid (last line) – Tianna Tagami

Spice Up Your Life Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

What do BFFs Goldilocks and Baby Bear make for their Shabbat lunch? Why, harissa of course! But what happens when everyone brings the same pot to the kusha (community oven)? A tasting, of course. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writer: Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast

Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella
Elijah – Nate DuFort
Goldilocks: Maya Aoki Tuttle
Baby Bear – Rich Wentworth
Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett
Mary Quite Contrary – Journee La Fond

A Fairytale Feud Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

Snow White just wants to host a delightful Rosh Hashanah get together, but the three little kittens and the three little pigs are having one big disagreement. Will they ever forgive each other?

Credits

Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Alli Thresher Writers: Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast

Snow White – Laura
Golem – Pat Bordenave
Mr. Saifair - Gregory David Barnett
PJ - Laura Rondinella
Elijah – Nate DuFort
Kitten 1 - Malcolm Villaverde
Kitten 2 - Molly Villaverde
Kitten 3 - Blair Which
Pigs 1, 2, 3 – Rich Wentworth

2024 Purim Playlist Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Purim is a holiday that feels like it's made for families. Traditions include dressing up, sharing gift baskets or mishloach manot with friends, making noise by shaking groggers, and staying up late with your friends and community. People do tzedakah and alsoread the Book of Esther, or megillah, which shares the story of how the Jews of Persia were saved from annihilation. Experience Purim with the characters of Beyond the Bookcase in this special playlist episode.