Chester Theatre Company, Chester, MA
through July 1, 2018
By Mary Fernandez-Sierra
 |
| Photo by Elizabeth Solaka |
Chester Theatre’s season opening
production of “Bar Mitzvah Boy” is warm, wise and wonderful,
featuring finely wrought performances and stunning production values.
This American premiere play (and winner
of the 2017 Jewish Playwriting Prize) illuminates the tale of Joey
(Will LeBow), a later-in-life divorce lawyer who wants to be bar
mitzvahed. His journey toward manhood is guided by Rabbi Michael
(Tara Franklin), whose life is also changing; their stories
intertwine in touching, tempestuous, and always enlightening ways.
LeBow is superb as Joey. His
transformation from the worldly and cynical lawyer to man of faith
and friendship is utterly convincing, performed with aplomb and
sensitivity. The dashes of showmanship added to his humorous lines
(and there’s plenty!) along with his Vaudeville-style versions of
Jewish song make his performance joyful as well as moving.
Franklin’s portrait of Rabbi Michael
is straightforward and compelling, with rich layers of humor,
self-deprecation, strength, wisdom and undercurrents of heartbreak
revealed anytime she is onstage. Her sermons are practically poetry
in their beauty, simplicity and frankness.
The scenery and lighting work together
as seamlessly as the actors in this production; it is difficult to
think of one without the other. Designers David Towlun (Scenic) and
Lara Dubin (Lighting) create visual magic with soft colors hovering
on the stage itself AND spilling into the audience from above. The
books and bookcases are artistic masterpieces which must be seen to
be believed.
Sound Designer David Reiffel has added
some beautiful touches of his own (watch for the eternal light
glowing on in sync with the music at one point). Costume designs by
Charles Schoonmaker suit the characters perfectly, and the rapid
clothing changes are handled with precision by this ensemble’s
incredible backstage crew.
It is rare to see a play in which the
story, acting and virtually every production element work so
harmoniously together; bravo to director Guy Ben-Aharon for his
meticulous creativity and thoughtful staging. The standing ovation
which the opening evening performance received came truly from an
appreciative audience’s heart.
Chester Theatre’s “Bar Mitzvah Boy”
is luminous and lovely.
