Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Gamm Theatre’s second show in 2023 is the one-act play “Bad Jews” by Joshua Harmon. The show premiered back in 2013 and is a dark comedy about faith, culture, and how our honor to our family and history influences us. 10 years ago was a relatively peaceful time for Jewish people, but since the 2016 election, the tide has turned in the other direction with White Supremacists rearing their ugly heads and antisemitism ramping up – t not only in the United States but around the world, too. The play becomes a warning about not becoming complacent in these troubled times and to be aware to make sure that the atrocities of the past do not repeat themselves. “Bad Jews” uses humor, not only to entertain but to educate us that even though some people are unlikeable, they still struggle to understand the problems as well as to be understood. Harmon uses four characters in this show to display what he’s concerned about. The turmoil occurs after a grandfather dies in New York, leaving a treasured piece of religious jewelry that he successfully hid from the Nazis during the Holocaust. The heirs – who are cousins – not only fight over the family heirloom but about their religious faith, cultural assimilation, and last but not least, the validity of their romances. Director Tony Estrella casts these four roles splendidly and elicits an in-depth vision of their inner thoughts and feelings which they convey in a comic as well as a meaningful way for the audience to understand completely. The off-kilter set by Patrick Lynch conveys the strained family dynamics beautifully. You can see into every room of the set. Stage manager Kelsey Emry keeps things running smoothly all night long.
The show revolves around three conflicted Jewish cousins and a non-Jewish girlfriend having to temporarily share living quarters. Sarah Corey plays Daphna. She shines in all of her scenes, especially in her confrontations with the other three characters. Daphna is a highly educated Jewish woman who is condescending and has a sharp and ready tongue to win her way. She looks down on her two male cousins and is determined to get her way with the heirloom. It seems, at first, that the only one listening to her is her quieter cousin, Jonah. He is less confrontational with her. Sarah delivers her many long monologues marvelously. Her final emotional breakdown, both violent and sorrowful, is handled brilliantly.
Hillel Rosenshine is wonderful as Jonah, who even though laid back, seems to come to his humanity and grief at the death of his grandfather. Jonah’s character is more introspective and tries to mediate the arguments with Daphna and Liam. Hillel displays the strength of the character when he reveals who really has the best interests and cares about this dysfunctional Jewish family. It is a very stunning and impactful moment in this show.
Tensions build up when Liam and his non-Jewish girlfriend show up too late for the funeral. They have been on a skiing trip to Aspen. John Hardin excellently plays, Liam, the “bad Jew” because of his disrespect and disagreement about their religious beliefs. His scenes with Sarah as Daphna crackle with electricity but at the same time display the humanity of the character with his loving relationship with Melody. John’s explosive monologues are well done as he rants and raves at his brother’s indecisiveness and at Daphna’s obnoxious and overbearing demeanor.
Nora Eschenheimer plays Melody brilliantly. She displays her patience and kindness in this role. Melody believes in the goodness of people even though the situation around her is tense and argumentative. It becomes a battle between Liam and Daphna as the take no prisoners for their grandfather’s religious relic. This play examines the arrogance and blind spots of who knows best in this family. Nora has her moments to shine when she tries to soothe Daphna’s jangled nerves when she brokers peace among the three cousins, and when after a violent outburst becomes the mouse that roars at all of them. The comedy explores painful truths and contains strong language as well as a violent outburst at one point. However, this is a show with a lot of relevance to current events swirling around this country. So, for a powerful show with fabulous acting and direction, be sure to catch “Bad Jews” at Gamm Theatre.
For tickets go to their website www.gammtheatre.org As we view the play, is there a right or wrong answer to these problems that this group of people face? Who is right and who is wrong? That is what we all must figure out for ourselves, and this show urges us to do so nowadays. We find out how these problems are dealt with in this well written show.
BAD JEWS (2 to 26 March)
GAMM Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI
1(401)723-4266
