BAR MITZVAH BOY by Carol Kaufman Segal

           

The West Coast Jewish Theatre is presenting the West Coast premiere of Bar Mitzvah Boy at Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica.  The play was written by Marc Leiren-Young, a Canadian journalist, screenwriter, playwright and sometimes performer.  Leiren-Young was awarded the Jewish Playwriting Prize for this play that was chosen by artists, community panel members, and audiences in 2017.

            

The play does not present a plot, but is actually a character play, in this instant, between two characters, a man and a woman who end up spending a great deal of time together over a number of weeks.  Joey (R. Emmett Lee) is a 60-something Jewish divorce lawyer, not at all fervent in his religion.  He never went through the ritual of having a Bar Mitzvah as most Jewish boys do when they turn 13–years old and “become a man.”

           

Joey’s 13-year old grandson is studying towards the day of his Bar Mitzvah, and Joey had never told him that he did not have a Bar Mitzvah and does not want to lie to him if ever asked.  He decides that he needs to have a Bar Mitzvah before his grandson has his.  He rushes to the synagogue to see Rabbi Michael (Pamela Heffler) to explain his situation to her and requests that she give him instructions.  (No mistake!  Her name is Michael!) After some moments, she acquiesces to his request, and from that moment on they meet on a regular basis.

           

During their meetings, they talk about life in general, and Joey learns a great deal about Rabbi Michael.  While he begins to newly revel in his religion, Rabbi Michael begins to question her faith.  Joey learns that her 11-year old daughter has life-threatening cancer and her wish is to live long enough to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.  This has put a strain on Rabbi Michael’s marriage.  The friendship between Joey and Rabbi Michael is heartwarming and helpful for both as one will see by the play’s end.    

           

Howard Teichman, Artistic Director of the West Coast Jewish Theatre, directs this heartwarming production.  It plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, at Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. For reservations, call (323) 821-2449, or go online at www.wcjt.org. 

            

SPECIAL:  Purchase a ticket at full price, bring a picture of your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah and receive a $5 reimbursement at the door!