25 Questions for a Jewish Mother
Rarely do I sign up for getting a daily email from a retail operation but I opted in to SmartTix when I purchased theater tickets. I get an email from them a few times a week giving me the low down on the latest off-Broadway event. It is great because I am not sure I’d know about 80% of these if I did not get this email.
About a month ago, I got my SmartTix email announcing the play, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother with Judy Gold. Judy Gold is a comedienne who I had actually seen a few years back. She was hilarious. Also, the concept of the play totally appealed to me.
I go out with 3 of my girlfriends for a girls lunch every 4 – 6 weeks, think Sex in the City meets married women with children. Anyhow, I figured this might be right up our alley.
Today we went. The theater is on West 54th between 9 and 10th. First come first serve seating, so beware. We came in late and at least got put together but were literally in the last seats in the back corner. Regardless, we laughed, we cried, we loved it!
Judy Gold is brilliant. She has spent the last few years interviewing Jewish Mothers around the country and asking them 25 questions. Is there anything that you regret? What would you have done if you didn’t have children? Would you sit shivah if your daughter or son married outside your faith? What are your thoughts on God?
Judy is out there. She tells the story of her life and how she has become a Jewish Mother. A Jewish Single Gay Mother who lives on the Upper Westside. How she is trying to pass down traditions to her children. She tells many stories of the fighting/relationship between her and her mother. Then she goes through the questions that she asks the mothers and when she tells their stories, she becomes them. She tells their answers like they did, with their voices and gestures. It is funny, it is insightful, it is heartfelt, it is wonderful.
You might have to be Jewish, or really understand Jewish culture to enjoy this play. This production would probably only sell out in LA and NY. If this sounds like something that would appeal to you, go. It really made my day. If it doesn’t appeal to you, at least sign up for SmartTix, you never know when a little gem comes across your screen that you would never have found if it hadn’t been for the wonderful world of email and the web.
Comments (Archived):
My wife might enjoy this. In addition to NY and LA, this play would probably do well in North Miami — the second largest population of Jews in the US. But otherwise, it might be worth sending her to see it with her mother.
Brian
Dear Gotham Gal,
My name is Kevin and I am the call center supervisor and head of customer service for SmartTix. I came across your blog and wanted to thank you for your kind words and endorsement of our eblast service. If you ever have any suggestions for us, please feel free to contact me directly. Thanks again!
Kevin