Surprising hit play “˜Jewtopia’ appeals to all viewers
By Jessica Warren
Nov. 5, 2003 9:00 p.m.
By Jessica Warren
dB Magazine Contributor
Currently running in its seventh sold-out month,
“Jewtopia,” a hilarious play about dating across
religions, has exceeded all expectations to become one of the
longest running performances in Los Angeles theater history.
Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson, the writers and stars of
“Jewtopia,” are perhaps two of the most unlikely
candidates to have a hit play on their hands. With only minor prior
credits to their names, including Wolfson’s single line on
Fox’s “That ’80s Show” (which he freely
admits nobody has ever heard), no one is as surprised as Fogel and
Wolfson about their current success.
“The longer (the play) continues its run, the more bizarre
it becomes,” said Fogel. “We don’t have any sort
of Zen calmness. We’re totally neurotic, and every show has
to be a complete home run or else it’s not worth
it.”
“Jewtopia,” a story about two friends, one Jewish
and one gentile, who are both obsessed with dating women of each
other’s denomination, has just recently booked with New
York’s theatrical agency The Road Company. Plans are under
way to start touring much of North America by March.
“Initially we would go on tour with it, but after it was
off the ground we’ll probably walk away from it,” said
Fogel. “We love the show, but I can’t imagine
performing it five years from now.”
Fogel and Wolfson met four years ago through a mutual friend
after moving to Los Angeles from Florida and Denver, respectively.
They became instant friends and began writing together.
“Jewtopia” is the first big break for both since
entering the world of theater.
“We’re like an old married couple,” said
Fogel. “We fight all the time, but we somehow manage to
create jokes in the process.”
By combining wacky stories from their own Jewish upbringings,
Fogel and Wolfson liven up the stage by playing up the clashing of
cultures in a “My Big Fat Jewish Wedding” kind of
way.
“People are dying (from laughing) for two hours,”
said Wolfson. “Perfect for a night out.”
For the dynamic duo, there are key elements that make a
successful play. This includes a receptive audience without which
they would cry themselves to sleep after the show, both said. More
important for the men’s performance is a little witty
humor.
“This is not Neil Simon territory,” said Wolfson.
“It’s much more Farrelly Brothers, just a fun, hip
Jewish comedy.”
And as far as the audience element goes, they promise everyone
will enjoy it, regardless of creed, culture or sense of humor.
“We guarantee that you’ll find it funny, even if you
don’t speak English,” said Fogel. “If
you’re an exchange student from China, you’ll like it.
It’s a crazy show for the whole family as long as
they’re not under the age of 14.”
“Jewtopia” is currently playing at The Coast
Playhouse. For ticket information, call (877) Tix-4-Jew or visit
www.jewtopiaplay.com.
