my kids were born, I wrote whenever I
could:'
Asked by the publisher to develop a
sequel, Leotta is thinking up some new
adventures for Anna Curtis. She also
is thinking about writing a biography
revealing her grandmother's Holocaust
experiences.
"My job at the U.S. Attorney's Office
is incredibly fulfilling," Leotta says. "It's
rewarding to put sex offenders in jail. I

have to be able to make split-second judg-
ment calls, and that keeps me on my toes.
"Fiction writing uses a part of
my brain that I don't use as a lawyer
because I can follow flights of fancy. As
a lawyer, I have to stick to the facts and
strict ethical rules so it's very straight
and narrow.
"My job gave me great material to
work with as a writer; but as a writer, I
am becoming better at my job."

Allison Leotta will sign copies of
her book 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday,
Oct. 21, at Borders Books & Music,
34300 Woodward, in Birmingham.
(248) 203-0005.

To read Allison Leotta's blog,
"The Prime-time Crime Review," in
which she critiques episodes of Law
& Order: SVU, go to her website at
www.allisonleotta.com.

it By James Sherman
* • -

4

CS 1 OBER
4-31, ZIIC)

•

1 ,61 '1 '11 1'111, 1':

❑

.
,
'A store of populizr Jewish humor that goes back to Lenny Bruce, Shi fyBerman and the
famous Borsht Belt Resorts in the Catskills. . . Extraordinarilyfimny!"

"Michael Brian Ogden plays the addled Isaac pitch perfectly...(and)...this splendid cast
is wonderful as they play four orfive roles apiece, putting the"Ensemble" in
Jewish...Theatre." -Michael Margolin, Encore

"An astonishing poignant, hilarious evening in the theatre.
. • tic Director, JET. , •
You miss this at your own risk. Wane -David J. Magidso

The God
Of Isaac

BE SURPRISED...BE AT JET

JE1

Ronelle Grier
Special to the Jewish News

C all Now! 248.788.2900 • www.JetTheatre.org

JET performs in the Aaron DeRoy Theatre in the JCC - corner of Maple & Drake in West Bloomfield

F

1627810

tom its title, The God of Isaac,
the season opener at Jewish
Ensemble Theatre sounds seri-
ous and biblical. Instead, it manages
to explore issues that are weighty and
theological in between generous serv-
ings of laughter.
Playwright James Sherman (Beau
Jest) began his career as a writer and
performer for the improv comedy
troupe Second City in Chicago, and his
play has elements of standup comedy
combined with just the right amount of
drama, romance and religion to keep it
from becoming either silly or syrupy.
The title character in this play-with-
in-a-play is protagonist Isaac Adams. In
the role, Michael Brian Ogden is funny
and authentic as a play-
wright who searches for his
Jewish identity while trying
to dodge his mother's con-
stant barbs and maintain his marriage
to a gentile model.
Adams' personal crisis is sparked by
news that the American Nazi Party is
planning a demonstration in Skokie, Ill.
His reaction to the march sends him on
a quest that includes a visit to his former
rabbi and an ongoing correspondence
with his first love, Chaya, played by
Kathryn Ruth Mayer, who does an excel-
lent job of expressing her own doubts
and questions about marriage and life.
As the consummate Jewish mother,
Henrietta Hermelin Weinberg is the
highlight of the show. In an unusual

Michael Brian Ogden and Henrietta
Hermelin Weinberg in The God of Isaac

turn, she is seated among the audience,
where she delivers a running com-
mentary on everything from her son's
wardrobe to his "shiksa" wife Sheila
(Dana Dancho), stereotypically blonde,
long-legged and prone to using terms
like "Jew him down."
Arthur Beer is a standout in multiple
roles that include Adams' father, his rabbi
and a tailor who survived the
Holocaust. So is Drew Parker,
i
who plays several parts in
the various skits that are per-
formed in between the dramatic action.
The take-off on Brando's performance in
On the Waterfront is especially clever.
JET Managing Director Christopher
Bremer turns the mixture of dramatic
scenes, comedic skits, Ogden's personal
asides and Hermelin's frequent inter-
ruptions into a seamless flow.
This show will have the audience
thinking about it, long after the laughter
stops.

REV IEW

❑

The God of Isaac runs through
Oct. 31 at JET. (248) 788-2900;
www.jettheatre.org .

JOIN US FOR

HAPPY HOUR!

3-6PM EVERYDAY
5 3- 5 6 FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

FAIRLANE TOWN CENTER - 313 429 2030

6 MILE & HAGGERTY ROAD - 248 675 0066

SOMERSET COLLECTION SOUTH - 248 810 8000

THE MALL AT PARTRIDGE CREEK - 386 263 0860

Online Ordering & Online Reservations
now available at pfchangs.com!

•

October 14 • 2010

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