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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Oy to the World: A Hanukkah Musical Revue Also see Gil's reviews of Shucked and A Christmas Carol
This spirited concert was structured as a 90-minute cabaret that blended reverence and humor in equal measure. The Weinsteins curated a clever and crowd-pleasing program that showcased the breadth of Jewish musical influence. Traditional favorites like "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah" and "Hanukkah Blessings" by Barenaked Ladies sat comfortably alongside contemporary comedy numbers such as Tom Lehrer's "Hanukkah in Santa Monica" and the cheeky "Hanukkah Honey." There was also plenty of humor found in The LeeVees' "Goyim Friends" and two numbers that offered sharp satires. These included Six13's "Elton Johnnukah," which parodies several Elton John songs, including turning "Rocket Man" into "Latke Man," along with the rollicking "Latke Recipe," a fun parody by The Maccabeats, or Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance." The revue also highlighted the lasting imprint Jewish composers have left on American holiday music. A fun audience participation game called "Mensch or Muggle" featured several well-known Christmas songs, including "Silver Bells," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," and "Baby It's Cold Outside," and asked the audience to guess if they were written by a Jewish or a gentile composer. This offered a playful wink at the legacy of Jews writing Christmas songs without overshadowing the show's distinctly Jewish heart. Broadway lovers were treated to a rousing rendition of "You Won't Succeed on Broadway if You Don't Have Any Jews" from Spamalot, followed by a tender "Sunrise/Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof. The small band under Josh Weinstein's music direction brought color and refined musical skills to every arrangement, shifting easily from folk tinges to pop sparkle. "Dancing in the Moonlight," while not exactly a holiday song, became a buoyant ensemble moment, while Adam Sandler's "The Hanukkah Song" closed the night with a cheer-filled sense of pride, celebration, and humor. The cast of vocalists featured Emily Kaye, Justin Lewis, Tatum Krainman, and each of them elevated the evening with charisma and bright vocals, approaching the material with a sense of communal joy. Rebecca Weinstein's script offered a lovely sense of storytelling between numbers, which was often humorous with some great Jewish-themed jokes, while also sometimes poignant, creating a feeling of togetherness that connected the audience with the performers. With upbeat holiday songs and charming comedy moments, Oy to the World accomplished exactly what its creators intended. It brought people together, honored Jewish heritage, and offered a lovely sense of belonging. The Bridge Initiative's Oy to the World: A Hanukkah Musical Revue played December 1, 2025, at ASU Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale. Information for upcoming The Bridge Initiative productions can be found at bridgeinit.org. Creator/Director: Rebecca Weinstein |
