When You're In Love, The Whole World Is Jewish is more than an expression; it is now the name of a new comedy/musical revue, directed by Seinfeld's Jason Alexander. It will have its world premiere at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles on February 1st and will run through March 10th. For tickets and more information, visit www.worldisjewishtheplay.com.
When You're In Love is truly a labor of love - the love of comedy and of cherished childhood memories. Based on several ground-breaking comedy albums, this material has never been seen live until now. Producers Danny Gold and Billy Riback decided to mount the show for one simple reason: "We were both weaned on classic comedy," said Riback, "and the albums "You Don't Have To Be Jewish," and "When You're In Love, The Whole World Is Jewish," were gut-bustingly funny way back then, and because of the timeless nature of the comedy, part character study, part self-effacing lampooning, but always sweet-natured and good-hearted, they remain just as hilarious today."
With the world growing increasingly crude, rude, and mean-spirited; When You're In Love brings the best of this timeless material to life. There is nothing in this show that would offend a nun, assuming one would come, and yet somehow it's still funny. The producers felt "It would be refreshing to have a show that shies away from those well-known four-letter words and colorful phrases, yet still manages to elicit belly laughs. We only hope you enjoy watching our show as much as we did putting it together."
"This opportunity was simply too good to pass up," added Gold. "We have the chance to bring a truly classic and original comedy to a wide audience, and we can't wait to hear what you think."
In 1965, there was an innovative album that was capturing the public's imagination, and it was called "You Don't Have To Be Jewish" (Kapp Records), featuring the talented voices of Lou Jacobi, Betty Walker, Jack Gilford, and Frank Gallop. This collection of classic Jewish humor was written and produced by Bob Booker* & George Foster, and within weeks of its release it was a Top 10 hit. It also received a Grammy nomination as "Comedy Album of the Year."
The next year a follow-up album was released titled, "When You're In Love, The Whole World Is Jewish," (Kapp Records) again featuring Lou Jacobi, Betty Walker, Frank Gallop, and introducing a young actress from New York named Valerie Harper. This album featured the Top 10 hit "The Ballad of Irving," sung by Frank Gallop.
*Bob Booker and his first partner Earle Doud were the brains behind the largest and fastest selling album in the history of the record industry at the time, THE FIRST FAMILY, the 1962 satire on President Kennedy and his family featuring Vaughn Meader. THE FIRST FAMILY went on to win two Grammys: "Comedy Album" of the year, and "Album of the Year."
The Greenway Court Theatre is located at 544 N. Fairfax Avenue, next to Fairfax High School. Free Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the theatre. Tickets are $34.99 (such a deal), and available at www.worldisjewishtheplay.com. Opening night will be Friday, February 1st, and the show will run Thursday through Sunday, closing March 10. Showtimes are 8:00PM Thursday through Saturday, and 7:00PM on Sundays. There will be no shows Sunday, February 3rd or Sunday, February 24th, instead there will be Saturday matinees February 2nd and February 23rd. For additional information, call 323-656-7679, Ext #100.
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