Oy Vey! Four Funny Shows that Keep the Faith

Mothers and matzo and menorahs—oh boy! The notoriously tough-to-succeed-in world of off-Broadway has been cracked by four shows united in their celebration of all things Jewish. Whether exploring wacky families, familiar cultural traditions or the search for love, each of these shows uses humor to illuminate an aspect of the faith. With so many choices, how do you separate the kreplach from the rugelach? Check out our roundup for all the details.

25 Questions for a Jewish Mother
What? A solo show starring Emmy-winning comedienne Judy Gold, which mixes personal musings with interviews about what it means to truly be a Jewish mother.
Where? St. Luke's Theatre, 308 West 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue closing March 18
Running Time: approximately 80 minutes, no intermission
The Low-Down: Gold's wry and winning persona is well matched by a script co-written by Kate Moira Ryan that deftly blends elements from her stand-up act, anecdotes from her own life and testimonials from Jewish mothers across the country, delivered by Gold in an affecting performance that evokes the personalities of each woman she interviewed. Rather than coast by on comedy alone, Gold gets personal, speaking frankly about how her relationships have affected her life as a lesbian single mom. Her endearing spirit and fearless delivery conspire to leave you laughing one minute and wiping away a tear the next. 25 Questions becomes a wise and witty look at motherhood that will touch the heart of any woman or man!, regardless of his or her faith.

A Jew Grows in Brooklyn
What? An autobiographical one-man musical starring Jake Ehrenreich about growing up Jewish in his beloved borough.
Where? 37 Arts Theatre B, 450 West 37th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenue
Running Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes, one intermission
The Low-Down: To call Ehrenreich a "triple threat" is an understatement, as the charismatic and charming performer sings, dances, plays various instruments in his onstage band and wins over the entire audience at 37 Arts six times a week in his charming solo show. Ehrenreich effortlessly mixes his own story with history and reflections on Jewish culture in a way that proves both engaging and affecting. You leave not only with a sense of who this man is, but also with an understanding of the love, pride and respect he has for his rich heritage. His interaction and rapport with the audience is second to none, as well—after a few minutes in Ehrenreich's presence, you'll feel like a neighbor being welcomed for a visit on his re-created Brooklyn stoop. This one-man musical is one of the true gems of off-Broadway.

Jewtopia
What? The long-running comedy smash about a gentile who wants to meet a nice Jewish girl—and his Jewish best friend who promises to show him "Jewtopia" and make all his dreams come true.
Where? Westside Theatre, 407 West 43rd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenue
Running Time: 2 hours, one intermission
The Low-Down: Entering its third year, this audience-pleasing comedy by Sam Wolfson and Bryan Fogel has a take-no-prisoners approach that is fitfully amusing. Yes, the plot is flimsy, essentially a setup for sketch-like scenes involving scatological humor, some outlandish costumes and loving jabs at Jewish customs, stereotypes and expressions a handy glossary of Yiddish words and phrases is included in the program for the goyim in the audience. All that being said, you don't come to Jewtopia expecting Chekhov nor should you. While it does help to be Jewish to appreciate all of the jokes, almost anyone willing to have fun will likely be swept up in the show's fast-paced, irreverent spirit.

My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy!
What? A solo show starring comedian Steve Solomon about his off-the-wall family members and life experiences, with classic jokes mixed in.
Where? Little Shubert Theatre, 422 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenue
Running Time: 90 minutes, no intermission
The Low-Down: Solomon has an easygoing, affable charm that sustains the proceedings for about 20 minutes. After that, whether or not the show's title made you crack up pretty much signals how you'll feel about the rest of the evening. The material includes one-liners that aren't getting fresher with age the audience repeatedly began laughing before Solomon got to punch lines, prompting him to half-jokingly admonish, "Don't get ahead of me!" and some surprisingly un-P.C. sexual and racial stereotyping bits. While Solomon's aim clearly isn't to offend, the effect is a bit discomfiting to those who aren't used to Jackie Mason-type humor. Nonetheless, the show's nature as a Borscht Belt time capsule will please audiences looking to hear their favorites delivered by an old pro.