Interview: Brad Zimmerman and MY SON THE WAITER at GSP 9/8 to 10/2

My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy is a hilarious and inspiring story about the grit and passion required to 'make it' as an artist. Written and performed by Brad Zimmerman, the hit comedy is coming to New Brunswick's George Street Playhouse for a four-week engagement from September 8 through October 2. The show, which has captivated audiences nationwide, is part standup and part theatrical.

In My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy, Zimmerman tells the story of his journey. It is a chronicle about his childhood, family, and misbegotten love life told with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm - combining his years of training as an actor with his innate comedic talent. In this 90-minute show, Zimmerman, who grew up in Oradell, N.J., also reviews the trials and tribulations of waiting on tables, particularly for someone not exactly invested in that career, and with little tolerance for finicky diners.

Broadwayworld.com had the fascinating opportunity to interview Brad Zimmerman about his career and his popular stage show.

Brad Zimmerman moved to New York City and "temporarily" waited tables for 29 years, while continuing to pursue his dream of comedic acting. He never gave up and many years later, he's opened for Joan Rivers, Brad Garrett and the famed George Carlin. In addition to his stage work, Brad has done work in both television and film, most notably playing Johnny Sack's lawyer in one of television's most iconic shows, "THE SOPRANOS."

We askEd Zimmerman when he started telling jokes and performing. He said, "I wasn't naturally funny, it was cultivated over the years. In my acting classes, I realized that I had comedic chops and real timing."

He said that some of the theatrical greats have inspired him that include Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and John Malkovich along with classic comedians like Red Buttons, Sid Caesar and Alan King. He also likes the work of some very current performers like Bill Maher and Louis Block who Zimmerman said, "make you think."

Zimmerman worked on the script for My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy for nine years, and performed it in small venues all over the country, including a stint at Stage Door Theatre in Margate, where it came to the attention of producers Dana Matthow and Philip Roy. Since then, My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy spent two years at Off-Broadway's Stage 72 at the Triad Theatre in New York, and has toured the USA from coast-to-coast. He recently performed the show in Chicago and Miami and said that the it received an "overwhelming reception" in both cities. He told us that "word of mouth" has been his best advertising. "When people love the show, they tell their friends."

Zimmerman told us why the My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy resonates with so many people. "Life is hard and a lot of people go the traditional route to success. I needed to be creative. My show tells a story about staying the course and using your drive and determination. Everyone can relate to that."

Zimmerman takes great care and pride in his writing. "I focus on the process, sitting alone, and working on a piece until I find the right lines and punch lines." He has also written and is ready to launch a sequel to My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy in October. The new show is called, My Rise to the Middle.

We askEd Zimmerman what is the most rewarding element of his work. "Gratification is doing the work, that's the bottom line."

My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy will run from Sept. 8, 2016, through Oct. 2, 2016, at George Street Playhouse, located at 9 Livingston Avenue in the heart of New Brunswick's vibrant downtown dining and entertainment district, steps away from plentiful parking and dining options for every palate and pocketbook. Tickets start at $45 and are available online at www.MySonTheWaiter.com or by phone at 732-246-7717. For group rates (10 or more), please call 1-888-264-1788. For more information about My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy please visit http://MySonTheWaiter.com.

To view the promotional video for My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy, please visit: https://youtu.be/FzrmAX_41P4.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Brad Zimmerman

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