BWW REVIEWS: My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (Extended Again)

Mirvish recently announced that My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding has been given another extension and will return to The Panasonic Theatre February 26th, 2010 to continue its record breaking run. This "little show that could" is a real crowd pleaser, and after seeing it with a sold-out crowd this past weekend, I can understand why.

A hit at the 2009 Toronto Fringe Festival, the show created by David Hein and Irene Carl Sankoff about the real-life story of David's mom coming out to him as a lesbian and then re-marrying in a strange Jewish/Wiccan interfaith ceremony, is truly a show that defied the odds. Starting as a small production at the Fringe, its popularity grew quickly and the show was picked up by Mirvish productions, expanded and added to their 2009-2010 season. It has had an extremely successful run at The Panasonic Theatre (including a few extensions) and now will be back in 2010 to continue to delight audiences. The bar is set high on this one, the last Fringe show to be picked up by Mirvish was The Drowsy Chaperone, which continued on to Broadway and won the Tony Award.

The show opens with David and his guitar, and an infectious smile that continues throughout the evening. From the moment he starts the first song "My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding" it is apparent that you are in for a treat. I don't think I stopped grinning throughout the entire show. Between David's infectious smile, the funny and touching lyrics and the wonderfully talented cast it is extremely hard not to enjoy yourself - and that is what is so wonderful about this show. It has heart and soul, something which is lacking in many productions these days.

The cast is fantastic, every person works so well as a cohesive unit and they also shine individually. Everyone had their individual moments and the group numbers were a riot. The character of Young David is handled very well, especially considering the subject matter. When his mother comes out to him and he talks about how he grew up with two moms, the story is told with grace and class, as opposed to being reduced to some sort of comical farce. It is refreshing to see that there are people out there who can handle such a significant life change so well.

For me, the best part of the show was the songs. They are funny, touching and beautifully sung, and often touch on very relevant and important material. I couldn't contain my laughter during "You Don't Need a Penis" and "Don't Take Your Lesbian Mom's to Hooters" and found myself very impressed with the politically charged "A Short History of Gay Marriage in Canada." I think it is truly wonderful that we live in a country where a musical like this is not only well received, but also becomes so popular that more people are going to see it and word of mouth is so positive. At the show I attended the audience was extremely diverse yet everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves, which I think is due to the wonderful writing and acting on the part of the people involved in the production.

Many people often go to the theatre wanting to be challenged, and wanting something that is thought-provoking, sad and/or gritty. And there is nothing wrong with that. However, once in awhile, it is a rare treat to go and see something that will have you laughing so hard you cry, and grinning from ear to ear, from start to finish. This is that show.

When and Where?
MY MOTHERS' LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING
Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St. (south of Bloor)

Now Playing Until January 3, 2010

Holiday Performance Schedule (Tickets $25 to $60):
Tues Dec 22, 8 PM
Wed Dec 23, 2 PM & 8 PM
Thur Dec 24, 2 PM
Sat Dec 26, 8 PM
Sun Dec 27, 2 PM & 7 PM
Tues Dec 29, 8 PM
Wed Dec 30, 2 PM & 8 PM
Thur Dec 31, 8 PM
Sat Jan 2, 2 PM & 8 PM
Sun Jan 3, 2 PM & 7 PM

Performances Resume February 26, 2010
First Block of Tickets Now On Sale for Performances Until March 21, 2010

New Performance Schedule & Prices:
Tues 8 PM -- All Seats $25
Wed 8 PM -- $30 & $45
Thur 8 PM -- $30 & $45
Fri 8 PM -- $45 & $60
New Time! - Sat 5 PM -- $30 & $45
New Time! - Sat 9 PM -- $45 & $60
New Time! - Sun 7 PM -- All Seats $25
Box Office: 461-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333
Online Sales: www.mirvish.com

For more information please visit http://174.143.72.90/mmljww/

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