By Rom Watson
c. December 2, 2012
The Geffen Playhouse is presenting the world premiere of a new holiday play, Coney Island Christmas. Sure to be performed for years to come, it is funny, touching, and surprisingly moving.
Playwright Donald Margulies has done an excellent job of taking characters briefly mentioned in a 7-page reminiscence by Grace Paley and extrapolating to create a story that is both specific and universal.
The opening sets up a framing device not found in the source material, introducing us to Shirley Abramowitz, the character that will narrate the story. The next thirty minutes are spent establishing the setting (1930’s Brooklyn), introducing the characters and creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Then the conflict kicks in and the play’s engine revs up, drawing us in and making us care.
Shirley tells the story of her younger self, well played by Isabella Acres, as she takes a role in the school Christmas play. Her parents object because they feel it’s inappropriate for a young Jewish girl to portray Jesus Christ.
Coney Island Christmas is deliberately inclusive, not only in its casting of actors of various ethnicities, but in its themes. The play shows both the eagerness and the reluctance of immigrants to assimilate in America, as Jews collide with Christmas, past collides with present, and Santa Claus collides with Jesus. The climax of the show is the performance of the school play, as we watch the mingling of myths performed by mingling cultures.
The cast of twenty is a cohesive ensemble, with Kira Sternbach’s portrayal of the Virgin Mary as played by a child particularly amusing. The technical elements are all good, especially the props for the school play, which appropriately look like they were made by children. Unfortunately, the creaking of the turntable is noticeable during quiet moments. Well directed by Bart DeLorenzo, this 95-minute play-with-music performed without intermission is suitable for the whole family.
Coney Island Christmas is slow to reveal its charms, but stick with it because the payoff is worth it.
For tickets, go to geffenplayhouse.com. Coney Island Christmas plays through December 30.