A Laugh-Out-Loud Musical Schtick Show!

And so now the question must be posed: Is there any room left for Jews on Broadway? 

Is there?

Inasmuch as a noted producer once opined that getting a hit on Broadway is "simply a matter of pleasing 900 Jews," this would seem to be an absurd question. After all, Jews pretty much invented the Broadway musical. 

But today's Broadway is so insufferably woke, that we're forced to ask: Is there room for Borsht Belt humor? Would Neil Simon still feel at home? Will schtick still stick?

We certainly hope so.

Because Billy Crystal's new musical Mr. Saturday Night is, if nothing else, lovingly, hilariously and endearingly Jewish. But like corned beef and rye, you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy it. And, to be sure, this show may come kosher coated but it's a whole lot more than that.

The show is adapted from Crystal's 1992 movie of the same name which focuses on the rise and fall  (and possible rise again) of Buddy Young Jr., a stand-up comic who's down on his luck. To be sure, Buddy's predicament isn't all a matter of luck. A lot of his misfortune is of his own making. For Buddy, the same bitingly insightful take on things that makes him funny on stage poses problems in real life. Maybe it's because he's a bit of a wise guy who seems to specialize in alienating those who might be able to help him most, including family member and close friends. But Buddy's now sensing that there's not much time left and he wants one more chance -- one more reach for the brass ring. For someone with an ego like Buddy's, accomplishing this without prostrating himself poses a problem,.

We saw the show  a few days before its opening last night. While the original version was over three hours, it's been trimmed and is now crisp with rapid-fire punch lines and zippy tunes that convey some real meaning. It's not the Great American Musical and it's not Shakespeare either, nor does it pretend to be.  It's played for fun but it's wonderfully human and poignant as well. There's a message here for everybody -- a message about family, hard work, endurance, struggle and facing life honestly and with a laugh. 

Sadly, some of this may be lost on those with a social media attention span. But that's their loss and an unfortunate reflection on our current state of the affairs.  

Simply put, no one on a Broadway stage right now is working harder or giving more of himself than Billy Crystal. And in this show he's at the top of his game in the grand tradition of so many show business troupers who came before him. And he generously pays homage to all of them. He's a grateful entertainer who loves the business and loves his audience.

What's more, this is an ensemble effort. The entire cast is superb -- David Paymer as his neglected brother, Randy Graff as his incredibly durable wife, Soshana Bean as his daughter, Chasten Harmon as his agent and Jordan Gelber, Brian Gonzales and Mylinda Hull as his longtime sidekicks.

At times you have to wonder why all these people hang in there for and with Buddy. But the Billy side of Buddy always comes through and how can you turn away from that?

THIS is entertainment. This is a star giving his all. This puts the comedy back into musical comedy. It's laugh-out-loud funny all the way.

If that's not enough for 'ya all we can say is ver farblondjet!