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
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
