[THEATRE REVIEW] BEAU JEST @ Phoenix Theatre
I can’t think of a Saltpillar Theatre endeavour that I have enjoyed more than this delightful production of Beau Jest.
Premiering in Chicago in 1989, the romantic comedy written by James Sherman moves along at pace and is simply so much fun.
It concerns a nice Jewish girl who dearly loves her parents, but tries to please them by lying to them about her romantic entanglements.
Sarah Goldman (Coco Martel) is dating non-Jewish ad man Chris Kringle (Jono Burns), but can’t tell her folks because they want her to marry a nice Jewish boy.
So, when it comes time for them to meet him, kindergarten teacher Sarah concocts a “foolproof” plan.
She hires a “Jewish” fill-in from an agency that caters for situations where a plus-one is needed.
Along comes occasional theatre actor Bob Schroeder (Jordan Sandler), who – much to Chris’ chagrin – is engaged to take his place for just one night.
The problem is that at the eleventh hour, with Sarah’s parents and brother about to arrive for Sabbath dinner, Bob drops the news that, like Chris, he isn’t Jewish.
Nothing can be done at this late stage and then the doorbell rings, signalling that Sarah’s “guests” have arrived.
Bob is introduced as Dr David Steinberg and the awkward evening unfolds.
Surprisingly, as he has appeared in a production of Fiddler on the Roof, Bob gets away with his ruse, leaving Sarah mighty impressed.
Jewish momma Miriam Goldman (Amelia Frid), her dry cleaning “mogul” husband Abe (Steven Curtis) and Sarah’s divorced brother, father of two Joel (Michael Lanzer) seem to buy what Bob/David is selling.
And when it is back to the well a second time, this time for Passover, more Bob/David “calisthenics” are on show.
It is clear that Sarah is developing real feelings for Bob and he for her, but, of course, it is only a matter of time before the truth outs and Sarah will have hell to pay.
The smart one liners and expressive sight gags are a delight.
With fine direction from Peter Houghton (who recently appeared in MTC’s excellent production of West Gate), the six strong cast acts up a storm.
Exaggeration is the name of the game, although four of the six could have dropped it back a bit.
Jordan Sandler is the most natural performer, who brings authenticity to bear as the reluctant “dupe”. He invests a laudable conscience into Bob and credibility into Dr David
Steven Curtis impresses with his less is more approach as the father with some health issues, whose family migrated to the US in 1938, and wants to see his daughter happy.
With golden tonsils (what a singing voice!) and an unmistakable stage presence, Coco Martel is captivating as the angst riddled daughter, torn between doing the “right thing” by her parents and living her own life.
Amelia Frid fits comfortably into the role of the quintessential Jewish mother who knows best.
That leads to “he says, she says” heated discussions with her husband and, exasperation for her daughter, who would rather microwave food to heat it up than put it into the oven.
Michael Lanzer really comes into his own in the second half when, in a memorable scene as “therapist” Joel, he calls out his sister.
Jono Burns leans into the “thankless part” of the non-Jewish boyfriend, desperately trying to cling on while mayhem ensues around him.
So it is that Beau Jest remains a laugh inducing, audience-pleasing feast.
I was greatly impressed by the staging.
Netanel Morris and Peter Houghton have done particularly well by crafting an attractive, open plan apartment setting, complete with lounge, dining room and kitchen.
Morris’ lighting design and David Rothberg’s sound design complement a show that readily resonates.
Sitting there thoroughly entertained, I was reminded of two truisms – laughter is the best medicine, and honesty is the best policy … most of the time!
Two hours including interval, Saltpillar’s Beau Jest is a beauty that is playing at Phoenix Theatre in Elwood until 31st May, 2026.
Review by Alex First Photography by Peter Haskin