Susan Sandler Invokes the Magic of a Jewish “Bubbie”  

by Mary Lou Herlihy

“Crossing Delancey” squeezes every possible moment of surprise, humor, and tenderness from a story of an immigrant, doting Jewish grandmother and her unmarried modern granddaughter. Meddling matchmakers usher in love and change.

Susan Sandler’s 80s era New York comedy makes the perfect date night. As my husband and I left the theater, we reminisced about our own dear friend’s ‘intervention’ to encourage our budding romance. Don’t all great love stories need a few meddlers?

And so it goes, a feisty grandma wants to see her beloved granddaughter happily married to a nice Jewish boy. Bachelor Number one, the “Pickle Man,” represents the Old World, the Lower East Side. Bachelor Number Two, the “published author” represents the Upper West Side and a sophisticated upscale future. Who will win her heart?

As Ida “Bubbie” Kantor, brilliant Tamar Cohn embodies a lovable, conniving, and hilarious grandmother. Ida’s love for her granddaughter lights up the stage. Cohn’s youthful chutzpah dazzles as she flexes her muscles, wields a knife at an unknown visitor, or gestures about a man who can “bring the heat!”

Bubbie’s homey apartment spans nearly the length of the stage. Mikiko Uesugi’s cleverly designed set transforms one wall into the hip little bookshop where her granddaughter works and fancies herself among the literati.

Izzy, the loving granddaughter, played with subtle sass by Lisa Morse, visits Ida weekly, despite her Bubbie’s barbs about her “aimless” life. But Izzy defends her single, professional choices. She turns to us to confess her obsession with the sexy writer. Frivolity ensues.

Director Adrian Elfenbaum creates playful moments filled with loving sensitivity. While chatting with the aloof author, Izzy gets swept up. Soft music and lights mark the moment when ‘the lovers’ slip into Izzy’s fantasy. Her imagination paints a steamy picture.

Wearing classic 80’s urban chic, Izzy seems forever defined by her paisley skirt, comfy red sweater, and wide leather belt. Later, a stylish new hat begins her transformation, a fresh start.

Enter earthy, unpretentious Sam, the pickle seller around the corner from Bubbie. Played with natural ease by Mark P. Robinson, Sam takes center stage in the second act, helping Bubbie clean her windows. We’re starting to like this guy—a real mensch.

But the lure of uptown life pulls Izzy’s attention away from Sam. The mysterious author Tyler (swaggering Steve Price) needs her help. Crouching ever closer, in the manner Izzy’s always imagined, Tyler makes his move. We celebrate Izzy’s spontaneous response.

Bubbie isn’t the only one pulling strings. Professional Yiddish matchmaker Hannah Mandelbaum (playful Jennifer S. McGeorge) intervenes. Hannah wears tiger print leggings and wildly colorful oversized tops. Her antiquated role gets me thinking about friends who depend on Match.com with its cold algorithmic promises. Give me Bubbie, even Hannah, any day.

“Crossing Delancey” invokes excellent comedic timing to deliver loads of laughs with dollops of sweetness. MAZEL TOV!

Don’t be a schlub! Better get over to Ross Valley Players before they sell out.

 

“Crossing Delancey” by Susan Sandler, directed by Adrian Elfenbaum, set design by Mikiko Uesugi, lighting by Jim Cave, costumes by Valera Coble, sound by Billie Cox, at Ross Valley Players, Ross, California. Info: rossvalleyplayers.com – to October 13, 2024.

Cast: Tamar Cohn, Lisa Morse, Jennifer S. McGeorge, Steve Price, and Mark P. Robinson.

Banner photo: Mark Robinson, Tamar Cohn, and Lisa Morse. Photos: Robin Jackson