When Crossing Delancey opened at the end of the 20th Century, old traditions were fraying. If not completely severed. Susan Sandler’s play, then, even when set on the lower east side of New York, was, and continues to be, a sweet reminder of the traditions and yes, the fairy tales we’d all grown up with. Sandler’s rendition pits two men against each other in the perceptions of young “Izzy” (Holly Sidell), while an equal rivalry goes on between Izzy’s “Bubbie” (Sharron Shayne) and Hannah, an old-style matchmaker, (Amy Tolsky). Of the two men, Tyler (Matt Landig) is a glamorous author, while Sam (Ari Hagler) is a local pickle vender.
Will Izzy run off with her handsome novelist? Or will she choose the more down-to-earth pickle-man? Playwright Sandler keeps us in suspense as the older women haggle over Izzy’s future, and she, herself, tries to make sense of her life. And her story could not have a better rendition that Theatre 40’s production.
Director Jonathan Fahn guides the company’s veteran performers to embody the lower east side vernacular. I, for one, welcomed the flow of Yiddish slang that punctuates the piece. And Jeff G. Rack works his usual wonders with Theatre 40’s expansive set, sectioning off the variety of locations to facilitate the flow of action from place to place. If only the park scene had been separated out a bit!
As always, Derrick McDaniels’ lighting helps differentiate one space from another, while Nick Foran’s sound design brings the east side to Beverly Hills nostalgically. Completing the ambiance of the piece, Michael Mullen’s period costuming takes us back a bit, while Judy Levin’s hair and make-up are indispensable. At a time when we could all use at bit of reaffirmation of the human spirit, Crossing Delancey does the trick!
Crossing Delancey, continues Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm, through June 21stat their Beverly Hills High School location; the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills 90212. For reservations, or subscription information, phone (310) 364-0535 or online at https://www.eventbrite.cocrossing-delancey-by-susan-sandler-at-theatre-40-tickets-1987959992853
