‘Bad Jews’
“Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as… as…a fiddler on the roof.”
Thus spake the poor milkman Tevye in the Broadway musical named after the precariously-placed musician. Up against a modern world turning its back on the values of his ancestors, Tevye could be forgiven for being somewhat flummoxed by the new kids on the block.
He ain’t alone.
Take the cultural combatants in the off-Broadway hit BAD JEWS (now thru Sunday, Nov 23 at the Unicorn, 3820 Main) for instance. Under the effective direction of Unicorn artistic director Cynthia Levin, playwright Josh Harmon‘s head-on crash between orthodox and secular is, at turns, hard to watch and impossible to turn away from.
‘The Who & The What’
Just like the Rep’s excellent production of THE WHO & THE WHAT (now thru November 16 at the Copaken Stage in the Power & Light District downtown). Ayad Akhtar‘s heartfelt follow up to his caustic, violent clash of philosophies DISGRACED, which won the Pulitzer Prize for theater last year, illustrates that Muslim daddies can feel Tevye’s pain, too, thank you.
It’s ironic that, in a news cycle filled with ISIS beheadings and Israelis making trouble on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, these two factions share so much on Kansas City stages. Dina Thomas’s Daphna may be a bad Jew, but she’s not going to let assimilated cousin Liam give away her dead grandpa’s Hebrew totem–especially to that blonde shiksa, Melody. That gets her blood boiling.
And speaking of cardiac arrest, check out how the wonderfully-cast Tony Mirracandani as Afzal sees crimson when brainy daughter Zarina (well played by Rania Salem Manganaro) writes a thoughtful tome on the Prophet Mohammed. Her gender politics may be heartfelt and hard-won, but it’s blasphemy to Pappa– insuring a clash of characters that heats up the downtown Copaken space.
‘Bad Jews’
These two worlds may be politically polar opposite– Muslims at the Rep, Jews at the Unicorn— but the arguments and passions they raise resonate across the cultural continuum in remarkably similar ways. And both pieces provide a fascinating insight into daily lives you’re not going to get on Ozzie & Harriet or even Modern Family. It’s amazing how alike the protagonists get under the skin of their loved ones in both pieces. Makes you wish they’d put down their Korans and Talmuds and talk to one another.
Eric Rosen does a nice job on the Akhtar piece (hope he gets a shot at DISGRACED next season). Kat Nejat and our own Rusty Sneary round out the Rep cast; Rusty in particular distinguishes himself in a tough role– playing the white guy Muslim with an honest affection for the Prophet and his adopted faith, in spite of the daily headlines. Over at the Unicorn, Dina’s hubby Mark, Erika Baker and especially Doogin Brown as Liam turn Gary Mosby’s tiny Upper West Side studio into a biting, bitchy battleground. Now that’s entertainment.
Coincidentally, you can catch the classic tradition-bender itself– FIDDLER ON THE ROOF— for the next two weekends at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park. Whether you pick that musical chestnut or one or both of these thought-provoking new plays, you should come away challenged about your own prejudices and preconceptions.
Great coverage, Mark, loved the review. On the local scene, I think any production is better if Katie Gilcrest is in it! Great play with more than a healthy serving of current events.
Muslims, Orthodox, Commies or ‘mericans all have one common denominator; that they love their children. If we could close the gap on each group wanting a better life for said children, this play could cruise into a prettier sunset and reality.
Always love your stuff. Your name was brought up to me last week by a Olathe South theatre instructor and a handful of 53 drama kids at my house for a party; they remain in awe of what you did for them at Kauffman last years. Good review, great dude.
Both plays are must sees. Touching, informative and extremely funny for anyone who likes good theater. Thanks to all involved.