BWW Reviews: Terrific NJT's MY MOTHER'S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING

Could there be a better way for The New Jewish Theatre to end their "Chai" season than with a sparkling production of My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, which celebrates the choices we make as individuals in the way we choose to lead our lives? I think not. This is well crafted show that speaks to its audience on many levels (book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff), covering such touchy subjects as faith, politics, and the genuine love two individuals can have for one another, with heartfelt sentiment and catchy tunes. It's often laugh out loud funny, but it also produced a tear or two, at least for me, all while tackling topics that are front and center in the country we live in, and globally as well. This is a fast-paced delight that should not be missed, with a wonderful cast, terrific direction, and some fine musicianship all on display for your viewing pleasure.

My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding is based on an autobiographical series of events, which makes sense since the person who guides the action shares the same name as one of the writers. Here, we follow David as he shares his the story of how his recently divorced mother moved to Canada and fell in love with a woman named Jane. There's nothing sensationalistic about this either, it simply reveals how two people find their soul-mates and, under an approved Canadian law, wind up married to one another. Yes, there's a lot more going on, but to reveal too much would ruin the joy you'll experience following their journey, as well as David's.

Ben Nordstrom is just perfect as David, strumming a guitar while he relates how his mother's life changed for the better, once she finally realized who she actually was, and what she really wanted to get out of her life. Laura Ackermann shines as his mother, Claire, who's uncertain about how her new life will be received, but plunges in anyway. It's through the caring and nurturing nature of her partner, Jane, very nicely played by Deborah Sharn, that she begins to see the light, and reclaim her faith. John Flack gets the chance to try on a variety of attitudes throughout the show, and makes the most of his opportunity with solid work all around. A supporting cast that is sharp as a tack really helps, especially when you have quality performers like Anna Skidis (Michele, Breckl, others), Jennifer Theby Quinn (Penny, Irene, others), Chase Thomaston (Pilot, Rabbi, others), and Pierce Hastings (Young David, others) filling out the bill.

Edward Coffield directs with flair and style. This is not the type of show where restraint is necessarily a good thing. After all, the message is to "legalize love", and that's something that needs to shouted from the nearest mountaintop for everyone to hear. Charlie Mueller (Music Director, keyboard), Aaron Doerr (guitar), Ben Nordstrom (guitar), Adam Anello (bass), and Jason Hatcher (percussion) do marvelous work with the lively score. Liam Johnson's choreography is playful, and adds to the merriment. Margery and Peter Spack have produced another in what is becoming a long line of memorable scenic designs, particularly with the cool variety of lamps that hang from the ceiling. James Kolditz keeps it all in focus with his lighting scheme, and Michele Friedman Siler hits all the right notes with her costume designs.

Get out and see My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding immediately. It's a perfect close to The New Jewish Theatre's great season, and it continues through May 31, 2015.

Photo Credit: Eric Woolsey

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