A Brooklyn Jew, a Russian Jew and an Irish Jew were sitting on a camel investigating whether Jesus was really the son of God.
It is often said that Jews and Catholics are always irreverent about their religions and that the jokes are almost more important aspects of their identity, as Jews or Catholics, than the dogma and ritual. If you are an irreverent Jew or Catholic, or just like jokes about the Old and New Testaments, run do not walk to the telephone and book tickets for “The Wisemen” by David Bestock and Eli Rosenblatt at ACT, before a wise producer takes it to Broadway, Tel Aviv, Rome, Jerusalem or indeed the Borscht Belt. It is that good.
“The Wisemen” opens with three degenerate looking Hasidic Jews named Goldberg, a Brooklyn Jew played by David Bestock, Frankenstein, a Russian Jew played by Gavin Cummins and Murray, and an Irish Jew, played by Ben Harris, who are three private investigators. Joseph, played by Colin Smith, hires them to find out who fathered his wife’ son. Through song and dance they spoof the Old and New Testaments, Exxon executives, Santa Claus, the Vatican and the “business” of Christmas. In addition, they also parody just about every genre of popular music from rap to Motown, klezmer music to Mariachi. There is also a Yodelling Pope Benedit (who really does come from yodeling country-Bavaria)
The Gags were witty and razor-sharp and the music was right in sync with the zaniness. Changing character and accents on stage swiftly and effectively, the four verbally virtuoso actors were truly amazing and energetic. A very professional band of drums, bass, guitar and trumpet, led by co-collaboration Eli Rosenstock kept the audience engaged. The whole package, music, acting and movement, all hung together to deliver one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had in a long time.
It is not every day that a reviewer sees a show which they really enjoy from start to finish. This cabaret had me laughing as soon as the three actors walked on stage, and it just kept going like that for 2 hours.
“The Wisemen” by David Bestock and Eli Rosenblatt, produced by The Central Heating Lab and Rosenstock Productions. Bullitt Cabaret, ACT Theatre, Seattle, 700 Union St. Thurs December 15th, Tues, Wed, Thurs Dec. 19th, 20th, 21st. Tickets (206) 292-76767