Observant

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What does it mean to be Jewish? That is the question asked, and somewhat answered, by Observant, a new play by Pamela Weiler Grayson at The Chain Theatre.

The play begins in December 2019 with a Christmas tree. It turns out that the Jewish mother, Amy (Melissa Wolff) loves Christmas. She sings Hark The Herald Angels Sing but not the line about Christ. When her daughter Zoe (Arielle Flax) arrives with her boyfriend, Farrokh (Fady Demian), we learn that Amy is quite into Christmas. She had the kids sing carols, she served Christmas ham, the whole nine yards. The only thing they didn’t do is go to church.

Then Sarah (Arielle Beth Klein) and Josh (Yair Ben-Dor) enter. They’re modern orthodox; Josh wears a yarmulke. They have a young child and another on the way. Sarah is upset about the tree and the fact that her mother doesn’t celebrate Chanukah – “How hard is it to get the menorah out and light some candles, to honor your heritage?”

It’s Amy’s birthday and that’s why everyone is here. She’s turning 60, a milestone. That doesn’t stop everyone from arguing.

Then something terrible happens – a shooting at the local synagogue. Amy’s mother was there and of course everyone is worried. Farrokh offers to drive Amy there to see if she’s okay; Josh would do it but it’s Shabbat. Turns out Nancy (veteran actress Rebecca Hoodwin) was shot but she’s okay. There is an interesting discussion of whether or not Nancy wants to be identified as a victim of a Jewish tragedy. This prompts rebukes from Sarah and Josh. It’s a slippery slope and one that the play handles well.

Observant presents a number of uncomfortable moments, some more well-drawn than others. For example, according to Jewish law, you are a Jew if your mother is Jewish. This comes up in the play when Josh wonders derisively if his sister-in-law’s children will be raised Muslim because her boyfriend is from Iran. It’s an ugly and inappropriate moment in a play filled with uncomfortable scenes. But the play is worth seeing for its examination of the issue of being Jewish.

Director Shellen Lubin keeps things moving and gets solid performances from the cast. The lighting by David Castaneda is functional; the play doesn’t call for much more than lighting the stage. The incidental music by Andrii Didorenko helps to set the mood. The set design by C. Shea is nice, showing a comfortable home where uncomfortable conversations take place.

Observant (through September 28, 2024)

Red Lyric Productions in association with Adam Weinstock and Emerging Artists Theatre

The Chain Theatre, 312 W 36th Street, in Manhattan

For tickets, visit http://www.tickettailor.com/events/sparktheatrefestival/1320824

Running time: 90 minutes without an intermission