Red Lyric Productions in association with Adam Weinstock & Emerging Artists Theatre Present

OBSERVANT

Written by PAMELA WEILER GRAYSON

Featuring
MELISSA WOLFF, ARIELLE FLAX, FADY DEMIAN, ARIELLE BETH KLEIN, YAIR BEN-DOR and REBECCA HOODWIN

Directed by SHELLEN LUBIN
Assistant Director/Production Stage Manager: AKSEL TANG
Stage Manager: MICHAEL M. COMP
Incidental Music: ANDRIL DIDORENKO
Scenic Designer: C. SHEA
Lighting Designer: DAVID CASTANEDA
Sound Designer: GRAYDON GUND
Costume, Hair & Make-up Coordinator: SOPHIA DORIO
Press Representative: ANDREA ALTON/ALTON PR

The Chain Theatre
312 West 36th Street, 3rd Floor
September 12 – 28
Tickets: www.tickettailor.com/events/sparktheatrefestival/1320824

Amy (Melissa Wolff) is just trying to have a family get-together to celebrate her birthday with her daughters (Arielle Flax, Arielle Beth Klein) and their significant others (Fady Demian, Yair Ben-Dor). Peace does not seem to be the theme of the party. Amy is obsessed with Christmas although she is Jewish. One daughter is Orthodox Jewish and the other brings her Iranian boyfriend to the event. Let the clashes begin! Think of your typical Thanksgiving dinner. Smothered racism with bits of sarcasm, gentle barbs, and humor to sooth the sting. The atmosphere changes when a shooter visits a neighborhood temple that Amy’s mother (Rebecca Hoodwin) is attending. Authentic feelings and raw emotions bubble to the surface.

OBSERVANT does a good job of maintaining an even-handed approach to antisemitism and racism. The cast is proficient in keeping their characters multi-faceted so that each brings at least one relatable aspect into the mix. And unfortunately, the topic is timely in today’s atmosphere. This is an effective and refreshing way to broach the subject. The only criticism I would offer is that it sometimes crosses the line of too much proselytizing which takes away from the uniqueness of the presentation. 

- Laurie Lawson -