"My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding" a Hilarious Romp

Photo Courtesy MJTC

Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company (MJTC) has got a hit on its hand with its wonderful production of My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, which opened this weekend and runs through March 11. The bizarrely funny, poignant, political yet not too political musical has the audience rolling with laughing while at the same time packing an emotional punch.
The play is narrated by the character of David (played by Matt Rein), who tells the story of his mother, Claire (played by Laura B. Adams) who, after a messy divorce with his dad when he was a kid, moves to Canada to accept a teaching job at a college. Claire, though feeling guilty about leaving her kid, at the same time wants to leave all of her bad memories behind and start a new life. She rents a room from a cat-loving lesbian named Michelle (Bonni Allen) who hosts a weekly lesbian choir group in her home, and soon becomes close with one of the women in the choir, Jane (Tinia Moulder) and develops a relationship with her.
It’s a play essentially about Claire’s journey as she discovers her new life.
Young David (played by Bryan Porter) moves to Canada to be with her after finishing the eighth grade, and learns of his mother’s new lifestyle with Jane, who happens to be Wiccan. Eventually, Claire comes to terms with her past, including her Jewish identity, and everybody lives happily ever after.
The entire cast is superb. Laura B. Adams is funny, endearing, and wonderful in the role of Claire, and Matt Rein charms as David. But really this is an ensemble show, and all of the actors shine playing various roles- particularly Bonni Allen, who doubles as Claire’s roommate Michelle and the ditsy yet profound Hooters waitress named Irene.
The show’s director, Michael Kissin, has a knack for bringing out the show’s quirky sense of humor while weaving moments of human connection. Andrew Rasmussen, who did the musical’s staging, should be commended too for the goofy choreography.
What’s amazing about the show is that while it’s inherently political (gay marriage, after all, is a hot topic nationally and of course here in Minnesota where an amendment is up for a vote this year that would ban it) it never seems preachy or over laden in politics. Instead, the show goes for laughs and tells its story through its wonderful characters. It’s a show not to be missed.
My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding plays through March 11, 2012 with performances on Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 1 pm and 7 pm. Ticket prices are $18 – $26. Group discounts are available. For ticket reservations call 651-647-4315 Monday through Friday 9 am – 4:30 pm.

*The FTC made me do it: Disclosure of Material Connection: TC Jewfolk received free tickets to  ”My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding” in the hope that we would mention it on TC Jewfolk. But getting the tickets for free doesn’t mean that we were obligated to give a glowing review. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Blah, blah, blah…