by Linda Chin

“Trayf”. Written by Lindsay Joelle. Directed by Celine Rosenthal. Scenic Design: Grace Laubacher. Lighting Design: Marcella Barbeau. Costume Design: Becca Jewett. Sound Design: Aubrey Dube. Stage Manager: Jenna Worden. Produced by New Repertory Theatre in partnership with Jewish Arts Collaborative, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown through November 3.

Lindsay Joelle’s positively terrific play, Trayf, is the story of Shmuel (David Picariello) and Zalmy (Ben Swimmer), two BFFs who’ve lived in Crown Heights NYC’s Hasidic community since childhood. Now 19, they spend their days cruising the streets of NYC in an RV converted into a Mitzvah Tank, seeking people to converse with about their Jewish faith. Shmuel was gifted the vehicle from his dad, so he’s the duo’s designated driver, and Zalmy’s in charge of navigating and the cassette deck. Zalmy lovingly prepares mixtapes with non-secular, non-trayf music they can listen to. At one point he reveals that he’s listened to Elton John, to which Shmuel asks – with curiosity, protectiveness, and concern – “Is he Jewish?”

Read more “You Don’t Have to be Jewish to Love New Rep’s ‘Trayf’”