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Regional Reviews: Florida - Southern Old Jews Telling Jokes
Imagine every Borsht Belt/Catskills Comedy Club Jewish joke that ever existed told and/or acted out by five actors in a face-paced series of one liners, double entendres, and vignettes. That is pretty much what you will find wrapped up in this two-act comedy that seems to be the little show that could. The style and staging of Old Jews Telling Jokes place it somewhere between stand-up and a revue. Though the subject matter and format appear to be potentially problematic, it surprisingly delivers a great deal of appeal. Though the actors have been given character names, there is no character development or individual through-lines. Still, each one has a heart-felt monologue that provides a moment of sincerity amidst the barrage of jokes. The show is laced with bits of music, such as Tom Lehrer's "Hannukah in Santa Monica," and musical effects provided by pianist David Nagy. As one would expect (without giving them away), there are jokes about Rabbis, long-suffering Jewish mothers, marital discord, old age, the slings and arrows of romance, the innocence of youth, and yes, the not so innocence of sexual passion (some of the jokes are a tad raunchy but nothing offensive). They fly by pretty quickly, and though I only laughed out loud a handful of times, and nearly groaned at one or two, I found myself smiling through the whole thing. A versatile Michael H. Small embodies every old time Jewish comedian with an authentic feel straight out of the Bronx. Gail Byer is the personification of that sweet Jewish mother bearing the gift of latkes and guilt. Ben Prayz brings a wry take to his humorous tales. Adam Chisnall and Ashley Brooke supply fresher, more contemporary observations on Jewish life. They all demonstrate they know how to both tell and set up a joke equally well. Have you heard most of these jokes before? Probably. Is this show anywhere remotely close to high-brow humor? Nope! But frankly, what's not to like? Old Jews Telling Jokes is just a good time. So relax! See how many punch lines you already know; and try to recall where you heard them the first time. That's what it's about, the chuckle shared between friends and family, the fondness with which that moment is remembered, and the rich cultural heritage behind the art of storytelling. Old Jews Telling Jokes will be appearing at The Stage Door Theatre through January 4, 2015. The theater is located at 8036 W. Sample Rd in Coral Springs, Florida. The Stage Door Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre company hiring local and non-local nonunion actors and actresses. Their two stages in Coral Springs are open year round. For tickets and information on their season, you may contact them by phone at 954-344-7765 or online at www.stageDoor Theatre.com. Cast: Crew:
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