A new production of James Sherman’s “Beau Jest” at North Coast Repertory Theatre explores the anxieties of interfaith relationships and family expectations with humor and heart. The play follows Sarah, who hires an actor to pose as her Jewish boyfriend to appease her parents during Passover.
North Coast Repertory Theatre is currently presenting a lively and engaging production of James Sherman ’s 1989 comedy, “ Beau Jest . ” The play delves into the age-old anxieties of Jewish parents hoping their children will marry within the faith, a theme famously explored in “Fiddler on the Roof.
” The story centers on Sarah, a young woman caught in a web of deception. She’s been secretly dating Chris, a non-Jewish man, for a year, but has led her religiously observant parents to believe she’s involved with a Jewish doctor named David. As the Jewish holiday of Passover approaches, and her family eagerly anticipates meeting her boyfriend, Sarah panics.
Instead of confessing her secret, she concocts an elaborate scheme: she hires an actor, Bob, to convincingly portray “Dr. David” during the family’s Seder. The irony deepens as it’s revealed that Bob himself isn’t Jewish, but he possesses experience playing a Jewish character from his time touring with “Fiddler on the Roof,” making him surprisingly adept at improvising and maintaining the charade.
While Sherman’s play isn’t without its flaws – Sarah’s character can be overly whiny and her dishonesty somewhat grating, and the extended Passover Seder scene feels a bit drawn out – the North Coast Rep production, skillfully directed by Omri Schein, manages to overcome these shortcomings. Schein maintains a brisk pace and ensures a consistent stream of comedic moments. The six-member cast demonstrates a remarkable unity in their performance style, embracing a lighthearted and improvisational approach.
Standout performances come from Sam Ashdown as Bob, the actor, who exudes charm and genuine warmth, making him instantly likable. Josh Cahn, playing Sarah’s therapist brother Joel, serves as the audience’s voice of reason, reacting with hilarious disbelief to Bob’s performance and providing some of the show’s most amusing moments through his expressive facial reactions. Katrina Michaels tackles the challenging role of Sarah with commendable honesty, portraying her character’s vulnerabilities while also showcasing her eventual growth.
Joel Polis and Jill Remez deliver endearing performances as Sarah’s traditional parents, and Benjamin Cole is perfectly cast as the affable Chris. The production benefits from strong design elements, including Marty Burnett’s detailed set, Jennifer Brawn Gittings’ costumes, Evan Eason’s sound design, and Matthew Novotny’s lighting.
“Beau Jest” is more than just a romantic comedy; it’s a play that explores themes of family, faith, and identity. While the play’s premise might feel somewhat dated in today’s more accepting society – the idea of parents forbidding a marriage based on religious differences seems less common – the underlying anxieties about family expectations and the desire for acceptance remain universally relatable.
The play subtly suggests that faith, rather than being a source of division, can ultimately be a unifying force. The North Coast Rep’s production successfully highlights these themes, offering a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking evening of theatre. The performance schedule includes shows at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 and 7 p.m. on Sundays, running through May 24th.
It’s a production that manages to find humor and heart in a familiar story, making it a worthwhile experience for theatregoers
Beau Jest North Coast Repertory Theatre James Sherman Passover Comedy Theater Review
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