North Coast Repertory’s Beau Jest balances heartfelt reflection with sitcom-style hilarity
The thought marinade that happens when seeing a show is inevitable. But when seeing a comedy, it is wild. I say this because North Coast Repertory’s latest production, Beau Jest by James Sherman, is a super fun sitcom with food for thought. How to continue traditions, legacies, religion, and culture is front and center. Sarah (Katrina Michaels) is dating Chris Cringle (Benjamin Cole), and yes, like Santa… Things are going well, except that Sarah has not introduced Chris to her family after months of dating because he is not Jewish. Shabbat is happening at Sarah’s, and instead of facing the facts, she enlists Bob Schroeder’s (Sam Ashdown) histrionic services to buff out the tension with her brother Joel (Josh Cahn) and parents, Abe (Joel Polis) and Miriam (Jill Remez). Sarah gets addicted to the adrenaline of the lie, and when the avalanche effect takes place, all involved will have to deal with the new truths that layer the old hidden ones.
Omri Schein directs the piece, and one of the qualities of his trace is the paced and steady rhythm. It was fitting for the sitcom, as everything flowed nicely in parallel with the laughs. The vaudevillesque action, of course, had to happen with a set of doors courtesy of Marty Burnett’s design, a pair of stoops that added dimension, Matthew Novotny’s spirited lighting that animated the happenings, and the sharpness of Evan Eason’s sound.
Katrina, as Sarah, is the story’s axis, giving plenty of game to all the characters while also delivering impressive physicality. Sam Ashdown, as the actor/Jewish doctor David Steinberg, was flawless with plenty of visual humor and cuteness to conquer. Josh Cahn also delivered the laughs with ample side-eye and popcorn munching, which had people laughing nonstop. Michael Wogulis’s props were key during the whole play, as there are a lot of them, from kitchenware to wine, to a speed dial; they aided the comedy and contributed to all the laughs.
Benjamin Cole’s interventions were short but mighty, adding doses of surprise to the scenes. The parents, Joel Polis and Jill Remez, rounded out the comedy with a touch of suspense in the middle. I loved Jennifer Brawn Gittings’ costume choices for all the characters, with Bob and Abe in charming suits, and Joel and Chris in fun, more casual pieces. Miriam showed off a bright combination of popping colors and different textures with long boots, while Sarah had a more conservative look with long dresses and flats.
The comedy is very Jewish, but also fun and energetic, with relatable moments and a nice reflection on love, family, and following your heart.
It is definitely a nice time out at the theatre with friends, spouses, family, et all.
Beau Jest is currently playing until May 24.
Christopher M. Williams is the Production Stage Manager. Alyssa Hayden and Clarence Lightfoot III are the Production Assistants.
