Gal De Paz cast as Shoshana Damari in new musical about Israeli icon

Singer Gal De Paz, a runner-up on this year's Rising Star, has been cast as Israeli musical icon Shoshana Damari in a new biographical musical titled Shoshana. The production, written and directed by Gadi Tzedaka of the Hebrew Theater, will premiere in late October and trace Damari's life from immigration to becoming the “Queen of Hebrew Music,” featuring a live orchestra performing her classic songs. De Paz, making her theatrical acting debut, expressed the “immense weight of responsibility,” noting she will inhabit the character through her musical background. Tzedaka highlighted De Paz's shared traits with Damari, including “humor, sensuality, boldness, and professional perfectionism.” The musical will launch in Or Akiva before touring other cities.