Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
This is a story of one Jewish boy who fell in love with a mixed-race woman from the very moment he saw her. Despite enchanting moments of love, marriage and sharing a baby boy, the excitement of remaining together diminishes in the eyes of Alex (Sharae Foxie) as she witnesses her husband, Jesse (Zeke Goodman), being torn apart by an act of antisemitism, and the harmful effects of the memories that linger and continually torture him. He was attacked, recognized and singled out as a Jewish boy. Since then, Jesse is extremely afraid and loses himself in the hostility toward Jews as a racial group. A lot changes during their relationship, from the moment they met in Ibiza in 2004. The chemistry between these actors is amazing.
The play opens in the year 2020 with Alex and Jesse on the verge of divorcing, in spite of the strong love bond that is still there. Alex does not see a future together and is deeply worried about her son being exposed to this unhealthy way of living and perhaps following in his father
'
s footsteps. She reasons that the only way to go forward is to separate.
Directed by the Echo's artistic director, Chris Fields,'One Jewish Boy' by Stephen Laughton is a strong play in which two wonderful actors continuously argue, convince, disagree and love with passion and enthusiasm. Both characters are likeable and convincing; their laughing is spontaneous and truthful, as is their suffering and pain.
The writing is magnificent. All the flashbacks, jumping in time, going back and forward again, give us a sense of film on the stage. The author's note says, 'The scene where Jesse and Alex battle over how he has decorated their stroller with yellow Liberal Democrat rosettes needs some context for the US audience: The UK was divided. Labour had shifted left under Jeremy Corbyn but was plagued by antisemitism scandals. Jewish MP Luciana Berger faced death threats and Nazi imagery and Corbyn refused to defend her unless she showed unwavering support. She quit, calling Labour institutionary antisemitic.'
The scenic design by Justin Huen is simple and effective, and the lighting and sound design, with strobing light effects accompanied by strobing sound, give us the agony Jesse is experiencing. The costumes are designed by Dianne K. Graebner and the stage manager is Bianca Rickheim. Natalya Nielsen is the assistant director, and Lucy Pollak is in charge of publicity.
Produced by Marie Bland and Chris Fields, with associate producer Hilary Oglesby, The Echo Theater Company presents One Jewish Boy at the Atwater Village Theater, 3269 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Performances continue through April 28 on Fridays and Mondays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 7 p.m. (please note early curtain time); and Sundays at 4 p.m. Additionally, there will be three performances on Thursdays at 8 p.m. on April 10, April 17 and April 24. Tickets are $38 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $20 on Thursdays.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (747) 350-8066 or go to EchoTheaterCompany.com