Minnesota Jewish Theater Company the Last Schwartz Review

All three of the states at Minnesota Theater Love (Carly, Jules and KRL) attended Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company'due south production of Bad Jews (running now through May 22) on the same dark as Jill of the esteemed Ruby and Spoon blog. At that place was much to talk over!

Since the play is four people talking at and with each other, we decided to do a four-way... review of Bad Jews. What follows is our (mostly) unedited chat.

KRL
Yes!

Jill
Talk about bloodthirsty!

KRL
Initial reaction - I actually liked it. Nifty cast, good fix, and I thought a really practiced script. And yes - bloodthirsty!

Jill

Agreed. Compelling, hilarious, well-acted, and tons of nutrient for thought.

Miriam Schwartz, Michael Torsch and Michael Hanna.
Photo past Sarah Whiting.

Jules
I don't know why, just I was thinking that it was going to be more of a comedy. Not that it wasn't funny, merely more in a "Oh no, they didn't" kind of way.

KRL
What exercise you recollect Jewish theater is all Mel Brooks? Dang, Jules. wink emoticon j/k

Jules
I recall I had conflated Bad Jews in my head with the countless run of "wacky comedies with Jews" that I see advertised in NY. Old Jews Telling Jokes, etc.

KRL
Julie - I exercise hold that with a title like Bad Jews  you presume it is comedy?

Carly
And then, the setting is a studio apartment on Manhattan'south Upper Westward Side, and the play involves three cousins (Daphna, Jonah and Liam) fighting over their only-passed grandfather's Chai, a necklace with keen religious and emotional significance to the family unit.

Jill
OK, permit's get into it. Who did yous side with in the big argument? Did you want Daphna or Liam to get Poppy's Chai?

KRL
For about of information technology - Daphna. Liam came across every bit a total dick who honestly didn't care for the deeper connection she had to the chai. (And I wish the program had given some glossary for those of us who are non-Hebrew/Yiddish speakers.)

Jules
I wanted to know what the Chai was earlier too.

Miriam Schwartz, Michael Torsch, Adelin Phelps
and Michael Hanna. Photo past Sarah Whiting.

Jill
I found myself taking both sides in various points of the argument. They both brand valid points and it's not an easy thing, the balance betwixt the sometime ways and the new (tradition!). Also, they're both jerks and say horribly offensive things! I was kind of hoping sweet Jonah would get information technology.

KRL
At the terminate of the evidence though...Daphna came across as existence as much of a user as Liam. That makes me rethink my view of the whole evidence.

Jules
I experience similar the playwright did a good chore of preparing us to side with Daphna and then past the time we finally met Liam, we were prepared to dislike him.

KRL
I hold.

Jill
Part of the reason why Daphna and Liam don't get forth is that they're too much alike. They're both passionate, cocky-righteous, unable to listen to the other side. They even use the aforementioned language to depict each other, "above it all."

KRL
And Michael Hanna kicked butt as Liam. So angry and such a jerk. Wow.

Carly
Frankly, I was like, "Go it ON already Daphna and Liam." Just me?

Jill
They're cousins, gross!

Jules
And yes, then the tables turn and you see Liam's side, and you come across the nothingness in Daphna.

KRL
Ballad - I felt some of that even with Daphna and Jonah...except he is gay.

Jill
Jonah'southward gay? I missed that.

KRL
That is how I read him. Nothing was said just...

Carly
Yeah, only am I correct? Liam and Daphna were practically all over each other! And to my heed, I didn't run into a realistic relationship between Liam and his gf, Melody.

Jill
Tune is everything Daphna (and his family?) is not. Unproblematic.

Carly
Also uncomplicated?

KRL
I agree - Liam and Melody are non a great match. She seems like a option made just to piss off Daphna and/or the family unit.

Jules
I wasn't getting that chemistry, only I thought in that location was way more than to the backstory betwixt all iii of them than what we were told. I expected a revelation of something between them before the play ended. Like possibly they had had a more intense human relationship earlier.

Carly
I thought Jonah and Daphna had a really realistic cousin human relationship.

Jill
And can I just say - these are four really talented young actors who were totally in information technology for the 90 minutes of the play, especially Michael Hanna and Miriam Schwartz with their long fast passionate infuriating monologues. And I kind of wanted to see them hug at the curtain phone call just to make sure they're OK!

Carly
AGREED, Jill! Great job by all performers.

Jules
I totally wanted to see them all hug at the stop, too, Jill!

Carly
I think they should make out at the mantle call.

Jules
Okay, that might be a flake much, C!

Carly
Sorry.

Carly
And I don't remember anyone should get the Chai. Jonah is SO passive that someone would immediately push button him down and take information technology.

KRL
Julie - I agree nigh the backstory. Simply I like that Joshua Harmon (playwright) and Hayley Finn (manager) allowed U.s.a. to fill in the backstory.

Jill
It'south definitely one of those plays that gives you the feeling these lives were happening before the play begins, and keep later on the play ends. I like that.

Jules
Good point Jill, their story doesn't end and you can see them continuing this struggle.

KRL
Miriam Schwartz was amazing!! the energy and passion and all the different levels of it. Michael Hanna was good though I felt he played "Anger" likewise much and didn't find every bit many levels to that frustration/acrimony every bit Miriam did.

Carly
I was but going to say that, Keith! Agreed!!!

Jill
And they both have beautiful hair. grinning emoticon

KRL
Ha ha ha - then jealous!

Carly
I thought Michael Torsch as Jonah was very watchable in a fairly minor function.

KRL
Michael Torsch has such amazing reactions! Information technology was fascinating to picket him scout the action...so much happening with that face up and body language of his.

Jill
Jonah'due south reveal of his ain tribute to Poppy at the terminate (no spoilers hither!) brought tears to my eyes! Michael Torsch founds lots of layers in silence.

KRL
Yep!

Carly
Very well done.
Whatever other elements that stand out for y'all? Whatever objections to the language or speeches?

Jules
Jonah was really interesting, and I definitely wanted to know more about him. I felt similar we saw that at that place was much more going on with him (which in that location was). And his function betwixt his cousin and his brother was very realistic. Someone's always in the middle of those things.

Jill
No objections but some of the things these cousins said to each other literally made my jaw driblet. They reeeaaaaaally didn't like each other, and you are right, mayhap in that location was more to that.

Carly
Singing, "Let's become it on ..."

Jill
I totally felt for Jonah because I'g like him, the peacemaker, not wanting to get involved in the argument, just wanting everyone to get along!

KRL
I was surprised at some of the linguistic communication. Then again, I came from the supposition that Jewish Theater would tend to be more "make clean" as Christian theater is clean - pregnant no swearing, etc. Then my surprise was more almost where I was coming from as an audience fellow member.

Jill
I retrieve information technology's less religious Jewish theater and more than cultural Jewish theater. Judaism is unique in that it'due south as much of a culture as it is religious belief.

KRL
Jill - I'grand not sure Jonah wanted everyone to become along, he just didn't desire to be a part of information technology. I think in that location is a difference in that location? And so again, at the end with his tribute - maybe he also wanted the Chai but knew that between the two other headstrong character he had no run a risk and gave up?

Jules
There was some deep-seated resentment that went way beyond fighting an inheritance. Even before the subject came up, Daphna and Liam were at each other's throats from the moment the apartment door opened.

KRL
Jill - totally hold with your annotate about culture vs religion.

Jules
Keith, I felt like Jonah was just doing his own thing. Going along with what the others said equally much every bit he could. Especially since he knew all the while that he'd already made his connection with Poppy.

Jill
They obviously disagree on what information technology means to exist Jewish, and perhaps office of the resentment of each other is the fear that their style isn't so righteous as they think. Like they take to put the other person down to prove their belief is the only way.

KRL
Julie - skillful point. He clearly had already made peace with the fact that he wouldn't go annihilation. Jill - yes!

Carly
Absolutely, I was going to say this earlier, that there'south such a spectrum of Jewish identity in this play, from the cultural Jew to the strict observant and then Jonah somewhere in the middle.

Jill
And that'southward the crux of the play - how do nosotros hold on to our history and tradition, while still embracing the multi-cultural global world we live in?

Carly
And in some ways, are they all "bad Jews"?

Jules
Keith, I don't think Jonah wanted anything. He had exactly what he needed to remember Poppy in the manner he felt best. Instead of focusing on a physical object (which is much easier to start a fight over), he simply did what he felt was right. And did Jonah fifty-fifty talk about being Jewish?

Carly
Not actually.

Jill
I don't think whatever of them are "bad Jews," they're just people trying to live their lives past their beliefs. And perhaps beingness a chip as well judgy about people who don't share their beliefs.

Jonah didn't go much of a gamble to talk at all!

KRL
Ha ha ha - so true about Jonah

Jules
I think it was interesting that Daphna felt she had the greater claim due to her overt commitment to being Jewish. But the reason that Liam wanted the Chai was also respectful of the family history and of the importance, but not attaching the religious significance.

KRL
I think Daphna and Liam were but spiteful all the way through and that there would be a way for everyone to become what they wanted IF they weren't and so focused on their own needs.

Jill
Right, they needed an impartial moderator. And if I were Melody, I would take accepted the proposal only not the Chai. The symbolism of the offer is enough, accepting it is non worth the problem it caused in this family that she wants to be accustomed into!

Jules
I also think that Daphna feels that the way to exist Jewish is to BE JEWISH. And I'k guessing that pridefulness and spite are not valued in Judaism whatsoever more they are in whatever other belief system.

Carly
I hated the idea of Melody having the Chai. Beingness a bitter spinster librarian, I think the family might as well kiss the Chai bye if information technology goes to Melody. You think Liam is in anything for the long haul? Oh, hell no.

KRL
Jill - I agree. Or accept it until the wedding ring then pass it along to Daphna

Carol - aye! you KNOW a divorce is going to happen with those two.

Jules
Jill - YES! I wanted Melody to turn down the Chai too. It had such nifty religious, family, and cultural significance to both Daphna and Liam, only it literally meant nix more to her than a piece of jewelry.

Carly
I experience like Jonah was that moderator for a long time and had given up.

Jill
Daphna definitely has a indicate that we take to pass on our history and traditions to our children, because if we don't, they'll be gone forever. Only Liam also has a point that yous dear who you love, and if yous marry someone from a different tradition and pass on both traditions to your children, information technology's going to get diluted. It's "melting pot" vs. retaining unique cultures.

Carly
I found the Daphna'south speech virtually dilution of Judaism through matrimony and children to be most affecting.

KRL
I found nigh of the speeches were so interesting and well written. Truly fabricated points without beingness like a monologue...if that makes sense? Or sounding like a speech.

Carly
I wish I believed the relationship and chemistry between Liam and Melody more--that would have helped the whole play for me.

Jill
Definitely. When my ancestors came to this country it was all about assimilation and "melting pot," so I have very few cultural traditions. But information technology seems in recent years we've realized that it's important to hold on to the language and traditions of our "homeland."

KRL
I'm glad they didn't effort to do any New York accent in the production. I think that would take distanced the characters from the audience.

Jules
Jill - that's a great encapsulation of their statement. Merely the vehemence and anger went far across what made sense in the state of affairs. But I retrieve another reason that they are Swell Jews is that they are still family unit. In spite of what appear to be unsurmountable differences, they are still in the aforementioned place for the same reason. Although Liam could have made more of an attempt to exist at that place. I don't think skiing and proposing are a adept reason to be out of touch.

Carly
"Nothing is more important than family. Zip." - Grandma Sophie, Brooklyn Span

Jill
Agreed about no NY accents, unless done well and naturally information technology's just distracting. It would be interesting to run across these kids' parents.

Jules
Keith, I like what you lot said about the monologues. They didn't experience like monologues, they felt natural to the characters, and similar simply the way they talked.

Carly
And yet --
I just feel—

Jill
The linguistic communication was very natural.

Carly
I mean—

KRL
Even if it is done well, a story like this tin play out anywhere. I think if they used accents they audition could relax and experience like "oh, this only happens in NYC" sort of attitude?

Jill
Yeah - that!

Carly
I feel like sometimes, I can Meet THE DIALOGUE on the folio, with the hyphens as they showtime and terminate a sentence.

KRL
Ha ha ha ha - is that a good thing?

Carly
Keith, no. I'd call it Generally natural.

Jules
Carol, I didn't experience that so much. I know exactly what you mean, but I didn't feel it.

Carly
I retrieve there's definitely a stylized aspect to the dialogue. It gets better, but that kind of dialogue is tough to exercise naturally.

Jules
That's another reason not to do accents, because it's already stylized and adding another layer would complicate information technology, I think.

Carly
Abso.

KRL
It is tough to do but it felt truthful. More true than some Mamet or Pinter or other modern playwrights.

Jill
Was this all of yours first time at MJTC? What did y'all think of the space and the work?

KRL
Information technology was our first.

Carly
Very intimate, liked the space.

KRL
The space worked actually well for this show. I'grand really curious how information technology works with other scripts.

Carly
Skilful sightlines, for instance, I could see clearly the homo in front of me who had taken his shoes off and was touching his feet.

KRL
Yeah....not great audience behavior.

Jules
I think information technology was my first. I was surprised what they could do with that space. I auditioned there once. I did a Shakespeare monologue. It wasn't pretty. smile emoticon.

Carly
Keith, I wondered too. How do bigger shows at that place work? Julie, was it "to be or not to be"? Again??

Jill
I like the space. It's intimate, with great sightlines and the sound carries well.

What do you mean by bigger, bigger bandage? Most of the shows I've seen are smaller cast/shows.

Carly
I hateful, musicals, shows that have upward more space.

Jules
Eh on the sightlines. If you lot were behind a large head (you know who you are) it was tricky when people were non standing up. Only information technology's probably meliorate if you're further up.

KRL
Hey!! I was sitting in front of you! smiling emoticon

Jill
They did The Last V Years unmiked and it was lovely!

Jules
I think their shows are mostly pocket-size, aren't they?

KRL
Jill - I would take loved to see that production at that place. Wow!

Carly
Could they do Leap of Faith in that location? I hateful, they probably wouldn't ...

Jules
Could Jonas Nightingale be Jewish? Discuss.

Carly
Ha!

Jill
I think the only musical I've seen in that location is The Last Five Years.

KRL
Looking at the website - all of their shows this season are six actors and nether.

Carly
I was sort of peering around the gear up to run across what the stage looked like.

Final thoughts? Direction? Lighting? Fix pattern?

Jules
They must take an exit behind the set up there, just not much backstage infinite, I'd approximate. I thought the set was quite realistic for such a modest infinite. But perfect for a New York studio apartment!

Carly
For Sure.

KRL
Direction and lighting were nifty! Zilch distracting (except for the i late lite cue).

Jill
Great prepare and very realistic, and I suspect it was recycled from Tale of the Allergist's Married woman.

KRL
It was a flake awkward having the two guys and the playing infinite by the door so shut to the stairs and audience. And I don't think information technology was used consistently - the infinite I mean. The boys head down the hallway to the parents apt, and I believe that is how Liam and Melody enter...nevertheless when they left they left going around back of the set.

Jill
Oh, and I loved when they were casually passing around the Thou&Ms as they were arguing! That's family!

Carly
Peachy touch!

Jules
Agreed. I liked that they were actually eating the nutrient. Like people.

Jill
I was a little jealous of Miriam'due south PJs and wishing I were in mine!

Carly

I seldom can run across a show with a bed in it when I don't want to crawl up and take a nap. On the twin, of course!

Jill
Keith - agreed nigh the awkward hallway scenes.

KRL
The eating was perfect and a great choice.

Jill
I am obsessed with people eating (and especially cooking and so eating) on stage.

Carly
Frankie and Johnny, am I correct, Jill?

Jill
Yes! I only wish they had shared the omelet with the audience.

Jules
But information technology kind of bugged me that in that location were only ii glasses in the cupboards. Until I thought about keeping an extra apartment for guests, and why would you overly furnish it. Carol, it was kind of like our London flat. Two cups, two plates, two forks...

KRL
So - sightlines were a bit tough considering when Daphna reached into the closet for a glass, I could meet that it was empty. So...information technology tin can exist a bit tricky. I accept a feeling the fridge was empty as well but no one could come across it.

Jill
I retrieve nosotros're all hungry and tired, shall we wrap this up?

Carly
Yes, for certain, Jill. The dominicus, has gone, to bed and so must yous?

Jill
Hey, I got that reference!

Carly
NERD!

KRL
Cease comment: It kept me involved, I was tickled and it gave food for thought. Dandy cast, good solid management (especially with all those speeches...never static), and I look forward to seeing more than piece of work there.

Jill
Do we all agree that Bad Jews is definitely worth seeing - well done, idea-provoking, and with things you can relate to no affair what your cultural background?

Carly
For shiz.

KRL
Jill - aye!

Jill
This was my 10th MJTC show and I've never been disappointed, so I hope y'all see more of them!

Carly
WE Will!

Jules
Wow, Jill, that'southward a lot of shows. I feel like I read most them but never go. Definitely working on that!

Carly
Yeah, we but don't see enough theater.

Jill
You Minnesota Theater Lovers are such slouches.

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Source: http://www.mntheaterlove.com/2016/05/bad-jews-at-minnesota-jewish-theatre.html