Ross Valley Players
Mark P. Robinson (Sam) and Tamar Cohn (“Bubbie”)
What a perfect time for the Ross Valley Players to resurrect Crossing Delancey, a refreshing old-time classic Rom/Com charmer. With superb characters and a simple, predictable plot, we are gently swept away from the World’s chaos into a relaxing, uncomplicated love story we can easily immerse ourselves in.
Set Designer Mikiko Uesugi’s kitchen instantly transports us to a time when the kitchen table was the heart of the family. Everyone, including friends, gathered to share meals, stories, and sweets. Uesugi also designs an unexpected roll-out wall to reveal bookstore shelves and a counter, aided by Lighting Designer Jim Cave.
Isabelle Grossman (Izzy), a young Jewish woman perfectly portrayed by Lisa Morse, works in the bookstore. She lives uptown, day-dreams about a romance with a well-known author, elitist Tyler Moss, (suave Steve Price). She anxiously awaits his visits to check on his book sales, and has read his latest book three times. Moss plays the bogus, high-brow sophistication with aplomb. Grossman’s fantasy flawlessly expresses every-person’s romantic desires through her vivid daydream.
Lisa Morse (Izzy), Steve Price (Tyler Moss)
Devoted to her vivacious grandmother, Bubbie (dynamic Tamar Cohn), Izzy visits her every Sunday in the Lower East Side. Bubbie shouts to neighbors through closed windows, prattles on about once being the belle of the East Side, shows off her sagging muscles, and sings heartfelt Hebrew songs. Beneath her humor and charm, however, lies a determination to see Izzy married with children, frequently questioning her about being alone and needing a man. But Izzy, proud to live in an era of women’s independence, resists. Their relationship, a joyful and profound reflection, mirrors the evolving Jewish culture. Cohn embodies Bubbie, the central figure of the show.
Bubbie enlists the loud and flamboyant matchmaker Hannah (sympathetic Jennifer S. McGeorge) to introduce her granddaughter to soft-spoken Sam, (compassionate Mark P. Robinson), a young pickle merchant. Neither Sam nor Tyler turns out to be quite what you would expect, yet you expect that with this play.
Mark P. Robinson (Sam), Jennifer S. Mc George (Hannah)
Playwright Sandler delivers funny, and authentic dialogue throughout, although the conflict between Izzy and Sam feels contrived in the second act.
The characters are genuine, and shine in comparison to the plot. Kudos go to Director Adrian Elfenbaum for spotlighting the romanticism in finding love. Together with Choreographer Bessie Zolno, the sensuality between the characters builds through tantalizing, dance-like movements leading up to their first kiss.
Billie Cox’s music design flows throughout the play, with “Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes followed later with “Somewhere Out There” by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram, both enhancing emotions of the 1980’s budding relationship. Meanwhile, Hebrew songs Bubbie sings at the kitchen with others remind us of profound influence of the thousand of years of Jewish culture.
This is a must-see.
All Photos by Robin Jackson
“Crossing Delancey” by Susan Sandler, Directed by Adrian Elfenbaum, at Ross Valley Players, Ross, California Info: RossValleyPlayers.com until October 13, 2024
Cast: Tamar Cohn, Lisa Morse, Jennifer S. McGeorge, Steve Price