BWW Reviews: NJT's Fascinating BECOMING DR. RUTH

Few people reach that status in life where all you have to do is hear their name, or voice, and you know exactly who they are, but Dr. Ruth Westheimer is certainly one of those individuals that have reached that level of fame. Her place in history is undeniable, and she's definitely someone whose journey is inspiring and worthy of inclusion in The New Jewish Theatre's "chai", or 18th season, which celebrates life. If there is anyone who could truly be called a survivor, but maybe would better be described as a "thriver", because she seems to have an uncanny drive to succeed, it would be her. NJT's presentation of Mark St. Germain's Becoming Dr. Ruth is a fascinating tour through the highlights and lowlights she dealt with on her rise to becoming a cultural icon, and it's a very entertaining and emotional piece of theatre that should not be missed.

You can't sum up Dr. Ruth's life in one sentence, and even a paragraph would only hint at the simply amazing events that shaped her very existence. Suffice to say, she was born as, Karola Ruth Siegel, a German Jew who was orphaned at age 10. She was "lucky" enough to have the opportunity to leave the country for Switzerland, although she was treated more like a servant than a refugee by those persons who took her in. And though her parents died in the Holocaust, she never gave up or succumbed to self pity as others might have in her situation. Instead, she became a sniper in the underground Jewish army, fighting for the independence of the state of Israel. From there it was on to Jerusalem, Paris and eventually America. Along the way she followed her dream to become a doctor, eventually earning her doctorate, and becoming the media sensation we all have come to know and love for her frank views on human sexuality.

When we first encounter her, she's preparing to move from her cluttered apartment in Washington Heights, much to the dismay of her grown children. But, her third husband, and the one that not only lasted the longest, but seemed to be a perfect complement to her outgoing ways, has passed away, and she feels the need to find a new place to start fresh. Susie Wall brings the diminutive dynamo to the stage in an impressive display that doesn't play at all like a caricature. Wall utilizes Dr. Ruth's familiar characteristics and vocal rhythms to deliver a fully realized performance that instead pays tribute to the role. Here, the fourth wall is immediately shattered, and it's more like a therapy sessions that goes in both directions. Wall's brilliant work engages us directly, and deftly communicates the sense of adventure and pluck that allowed Westheimer to overcome odds most people would never to be able to surmount.

Jerry McAdams directs, and he simply allows Wall to take charge of this fascinating story. His work keeps the pace moving at a reasonable clip, and he keeps the character in motion just enough to prevent any static moments. There's a genuine sense of comfort the audience experiences in her presence, and that's really the result of an actress and director thoroughly understanding what they have, and immersing themselves in their subject. Cristie Johnson's scenic design lovingly conjures up the crowded apartment Westheimer lives in, and Teresa Doggett's costume, along with Wall's wig (designed by Will Vicari) is convincing. The lighting by Kimberly Klearman is straight forward, allowing our attention to focus clearly, and Michael Perkins provides sound and projection designs that neatly allow the character to illustrate the people and places that shaped her life and sense of duty.

Though it only has a couple of performances left, you should definitely check out The New Jewish Theatre's production of Becoming Dr. Ruth (through December 21, 2014). Like it's subject, it's a true winner.

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