The Quadrangle

Issue date: 3/2/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Jewtopia opened in Los Angeles, California on 8 May 2003. Opening with the expectation of only a six week run, Jewtopia shattered all predictions. Stunning audiences and critics alike, Jewtopia became the longest running original play in Los Angeles' theatre, performing for 16 months and a total of 300 shows. Soon, Jewtopia mania was spreading the nation, and Sam Wolfson and Bryan Fogel, the show's writers and protagonists, packed up and headed to America's capital of theatre-- New York City. In August 2004, the east coast was introduced to comedy's newest dynamic duo.

Jewtopia is the story of a Gentile and a Jew in quest of the perfect way of life. Chris O'Connell, played by Bryan Fogel, is a Gentile searching for a Jewish wife and all of the stereotypes that come along with it. At a "Rockin' Young Jewish Singles Mixer," Chris meets up with the unsuspecting Adam Lipschitz, an oblivious Jewish man looking to please his family by marrying within his religion. Each one needs the other's help-- Chris needs to learn the ins and outs of the Jewish culture, while Adam just needs to understand the female mind. Their journey towards this leads to "Jewtopia," otherwise known as jdate.com, a Jewish dating service. For two hours the audience is brought into a world of "mishigas" and chaos.

Jewtopia is not your typical play-- it comments and reflects upon the often overlooked Jewish culture in modern society. Playwrights Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson write an intelligent, witty script that includes asides incorporating current events. Jewtopia is an Off-Broadway production, but is clearly up to par with its Broadway counterparts. Unfortunately, contemporary Broadway often stages banal and clichéd scripts that rely solely on commercial rather than artistic reputation. Jewtopia, however, is far from this trend-- it boasts a terrific script and cast.

The chemistry between Fogel and Wolfson is undeniable and unsurprising. Their passion for the work is apparent, and clearly the two are not only business partners but great friends as well. Fogel's tongue-in-cheek humor complimented Wolfson's slapstick and more physical shtick. While Fogel and Wolfson were the stars, the supporting cast was equally stellar. Jackie Tohn, a New York native, gave a standout performance playing the eclectic group of women Adam briefly dates. Her versatility and charisma shine through all eight of her roles. Glynis Bell also gave a noteworthy performance; she rounded out the cast as the overbearing mother of Allison Cohen and Adam Lipschitz, respectively. What is even more impressive is that the cast successfully creates such distinct characters; one often forgets that the actors are playing a myriad of roles.

A comedy often relies upon the audience to keep the energy up, and this was no issue for the cast of Jewtopia. The audience enthusiastically responded to their effortless gestures and mannerisms. This made the overall feel of the show even more enjoyable. For a true adventure in the perils of Judaism, head past the ubiquitous tourists and gleaming lights of Times Square over to the Westside Theatre, and enjoy a night of true theatre.

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