REVIEW: The New Jewish Theatre Presents a Touching and Brilliant Production of BROOKLYN BOY

After reviewing Christmas themed shows all week, the New Jewish Theatre's production of Brooklyn Boy, by playwright Donald Marguiles, acted as a sort of palette cleanser for me. And, if you're someone who's looking for an alternative to the usual array of yuletide fare, I heartily recommend this show. An excellent cast, in combination with a terrific script and direction, produces a very satisfying and inspirational experience.

Over the course of six scenes, protagonist Eric Weiss is taken on a journey of discovery that will leave him with a stronger appreciation of his family and friends, as well as a deeper understanding of himself. Weiss is a writer who's finally enjoying success on the bestseller list after penning an autobiographical novel about his life growing up in Brooklyn. But, he's become extremely sensitive to accusations and intimations that his account is just a thinly veiled version of the truth. His encounters act to illuminate the feelings that he's kept buried within, and by the end of the play, he finally seems to be coming to terms with his own legacy.

Jason Cannon does terrific work here as Eric, a man who's trying get a handle on his sudden success while other parts of his life are in disarray. Cannon is consistent throughout, and his interaction with each of the other actors is believable and honest. It's easily one of the best performances I've seen this year.

Peter Mayer is marvelous as his dying dad, Manny. Manny is a simple man with simple tastes, and it's hard for him to verbalize the pride he feels at his son's success. He's just not built that way. Sarah Cannon is very sharp as Eric's soon to be ex-wife, Nina. Watching Nina and Eric bicker is heartbreaking, because it's obvious that monetary success can't possibly fix the issues that have eroded their relationship. And yet, we can still see the spark that exists between them.

Kate Frisina displays a properly pompous attitude as a Hollywood producer named Melanie Fine, who's employing Eric to write the screenplay for a possible movie adaptation. Justin Ivan Brown amuses as a hot young actor who wants to take the lead role, despite the fact that he's the wrong type for it.

R. Travis Estes is wonderful as Ira Zimmer, a long-lost friend from the neighborhood that Eric doesn't even recognize at first. Estes brings a warmth and vigor to his part that energizes Ira. His intensity toward their friendship, as well as his orthodox Jewish-ness makes Eric uncomfortable, but it also makes him ponder his past with more introspective scrutiny. Paris McCarthy makes a good impression as a college student Eric picks up at a book signing.

Bobby Miller's direction is brilliantly conceived and executed. He keeps the pace moving at a good clip, but not at the expense of the emotions of the piece. The actors maintain a focus and intensity throughout which keeps the show compelling and engaging. Scott Neale's scenic design breaks the stage into six separate areas, and each is effective in its creation. Maureen Hanratty's lighting scheme works well to maintain the proper mood and atmosphere required, and Bonnie Kruger's costumes neatly delineate each character without drawing undue attention.

Whenever I attempt to judge the merit of a particular play, I always ask myself three pertinent questions: Did it make me laugh? Did it make me cry? Did it make me think? In the best of circumstances, at least one, and possibly two of these answers will be in the affirmative. The New Jewish Theatre's production of Brooklyn Boy brought a response of 'yes' to all three, and that's what exceptional theatre is all about.

Brooklyn Boy continues through December 20, 2009 in the Little Theatre at Clayton High School.

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