BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre's Giddy Delight of SCHLEMIEL THE FIRST

Schlemiel the First is a giddy delight, with songs and laughs barreling along at a frenetic pace. Based on the play by Isaac Bashevis Singer (conceived and adapted by Robert Brustein), this Klezmer musical (composed by Hankus Netsky and Zalmen Miotek, with lyrics by Arnold Weinstein) is guaranteed fun from start to finish, and The New Jewish Theatre has put together an exceptional production that is well worth your time and attention.

The title of this work, Schlemiel the First, is derived from the fact that after the wise (at least by his own standards) Gronam Ox sends Schlemiel out into the world to spread the word about his wisdom, he's tricked by a scoundrel named Rascal into heading into the opposite direction from which his journey begins. This leads him directly back to his launching point, the village of Chelm, which he assumes to be a duplicate village that just happens to have all the same people and characteristics of his own beloved Chelm. Naturally, hilarity ensues.

Terry Meddows does amusing work as Schlemiel, blithely unaware of his mistaken return to Chelm, even though he encounters his wife and children, as well as everyone else he'd just left behind. Emily Baker is just terrific as his long-suffering wife, who tries to convince him otherwise, but is overruled by those in power who are convinced that her returning husband is actually Schlemiel the second. Todd Schaefer is broad and funny as Gronam Ox, and he governs the small village with a degree of absurd certainty that even his wife, Yenta Pesha (a fine performance from Johanna Elkana-Hale) cannot fathom. Yenta is much more wise and grounded than her husband, but throws her hands up when the logic becomes more and more twisted. Taylor Pietz, Mike Dowdy, Antonio Rodriguez, Anna Skidis and Keith Thompson appear in a variety of roles, and do a marvelous job in support.

Edward Coffield's direction is very well done, and the pace never lags over the course of the musical's 85 minute running time. Henry Palkes provides excellent music direction (as well as piano accompaniment), and the band (Alyssa Avery-violin, Dana Hotie-clarinet, and Adam Anello-bass) is top notch, providing a wonderful backing to these playful tunes and characters. JT Ricroft's choreography fills the space with plenty of clever movement, and Michele Friedman Siler provides the period costumes. Margery and Peter Spack have constructed a bright and colorful scenic design that's masterfully lit by Kimberly Klearman.

If you're looking for something light and entertaining, then Schlemiel the First definitely fits the bill. The New Jewish Theatre closes their season on an upbeat and engaging note with this cute production that runs through June 9, 2013.

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