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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Beau Jest Also see Gil's review of Heist
The plot is set in Chicago in the 1990s and centers on Sarah Goldman, a young Jewish woman who is trying to keep the peace with her very traditional parents. Sarah is happily involved with Chris Kringle, who happens to be gentile, but she knows her overbearing parents, Miriam and Abe, are determined for her to marry a nice Jewish boy. So, Sarah turns to an escort service to help maintain the ruse. Unfortunately, the plan quickly goes awry when the service sends Bob Schroeder, an earnest but non-Jewish aspiring actor. With no better option and her parents and brother about to arrive for dinner, Sarah convinces Bob to go along with the scheme. Drawing on his acting background, Bob transforms himself into the charming and entirely fictional Dr. David Steinberg. As the layers of deception grow and the web of lies grows larger and more elaborate, there are many comical misunderstandings and escalating absurdity. While at its core it's a charming comedy, Beau Jest also explores the universal struggle that many children face of honoring family expectations while living authentically as an adult. Though rooted in Jewish culture and tradition, the play's themes of love, obligation, and independence should resonate with audience members of any religion or background. The story speaks broadly to parents everywhere who struggle to let go and frustrated children who want to be able to live their own lives. Sherman's characters may be stereotypical at times, but the dialogue is sharp and funny and the situations authentic. First produced in Chicago in the early 1990s, the comedy went on to enjoy a successful Off-Broadway run, and this is the fourth time that Hale has presented it. The cast of six bring their characters vividly to life. Sarah Goldman is portrayed with warmth, determination, and a slightly frenzied nature by Gracie Gamble, offering a perspective shaped by both loyalty to family and a desire for independence. Gamble beautifully demonstrates that this woman doesn't want to disappoint her parents and feels creating a fictional Jewish boyfriend is her only option. As Bob Schroeder, Austin Delp brings an easy charm, with sharp comic timing and subtle humor that gets laughs to the many "fish out of water" moments, but he also elicits an emotional honesty that deepens his relationship with Sarah and the members of her family. Justin M. Howell is great as Joel Goodman, Sarah's therapist brother, delivering a thoughtful performance with a beautifully delivered monologue in the second act that captures the push and pull between familial obligation and needing to stand up for yourself. Tom Koelbel and Dyana Carroll are wonderful as Abe and Miriam Goldman. Koelbel balances bluster with vulnerability, presenting a father whose controlling instincts are driven by fear and love in equal measure. Carroll's facial expressions, accent, gestures, and sharp wit are superb. Beneath their bickering and agitated moments, you know they both love Sarah, even if their somewhat overbearing views and input aren't always things that Sarah agrees with. Their characters may border on stereotype but the performances are realistic, revealing both the humor and the anxiety beneath this couple's constant involvement in their children's lives. Declan Skaggs is fun as Chris Kringle, the frustrated boyfriend. Tim Dietlein's direction is sure footed and attentive, allowing scenes to breathe while keeping the story moving smoothly and the comical moments humorous. The period set and costumes are realistic and well detailed, firmly placing the action in 1990s Chicago without distracting from the performances. Beau Gest is a charming romantic comedy about love expressed imperfectly and about parents who believe they know what is best for their children, even when their children don't agree. Sherman's script finds humor in these tensions while also honoring the emotional truth behind them. With strong acting and thoughtful direction, Hale's production is an engaging, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of family life that offers a satisfying blend of laughter and insight that should resonate with theatregoers of all backgrounds. Beau Jest runs through February 7, 2016, at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.haletheatrearizona.com or call 480-497-1181 Written by James Sherman Cast: (in order of appearance) |
