The Fountain Theatre presents the Los Angeles premiere of If I Forget written by Steven Levenson and directed by Seinfeld actor and Tony-Award winner Jason Alexander.
Michael Fischer (Leo Marks) is being sued for writing a book deemed antisemitic and his tenure as a professor is on hold, putting a strain on his finances. His sister Holly Fischer (Valerie Perri) continues with her drinking and self medicating habits, not to mention the secret her husband Howard Kilberg (Jerry Weil) is hiding from her. And then there’s Sharon Fischer (Samantha Klein), Michael and Holly’s sister who is falling for a guy that might not be the best option for her. All of this while the siblings are trying to figure out how to take care of their ailing father Lou Fischer (Matt Gottlieb).
The Fischers are a Jewish family with diverse opinions on what it means to be a Jew in America, an identity issue specially for the second and third generation American Jews. While Lou was a soldier who helped liberate the prisoners from the Dachau concentration camp and finds Michael’s suggestion to forget about the Holocaust very offensive, Michael is an atheist with more liberal views.
Michael is married to Ellen Manning (Síle Bermingham), a non-Jewish woman who tries to bring some kind of order to the chaotic relationship of the three siblings. Michael and Ellen’s daughter, Abby Fischer (Caribay Franke), is in a trip to Israel to connect with her roots. This trip however, turns into a nightmare for Abby and her parents.
The play is also an examination of the relationship between Jews and other races and the political activism in which the Jews are involved. There are conversations about African Americans, Palestinians, and the misconception of calling any Latino a Mexican. The fact that Michael is married to a gentile is an example of the trend in American Jews to experience interracial marriages without any concerns about the dilution of the Jewish race. Also, Michael’s writings about the Jewish diaspora in America and its active participation in the political scene is a reflection of the reaffirmation or rupture of the community to Israel. Michael’s suggestion to forget about the Holocaust can be seen either as blatant antisemitism or a survival strategy in a world that can turn against Jews on a whim. The contrasting political affiliations of the members of the family prove how diverse the American Jews have become and how connected or disconnected they feel to the motherland. Holly and Howard’s son, Joey Oren (Jacob Zelonky), represents either the confusion or the indifference to take a stance on these issues.
This story goes beyond the Jewish experience. Their story is that of many other immigrant communities as well. This is where this play resonates far beyond synagogues and Shabbat ceremonies. The issues, concerns, fights, hopes, and the love for one’s culture and family is a universal human experience. Levenson was able to write a brilliant story that travels. It’s a mirror reflecting the condition of many people connected or disconnected to their own cultures and the conflicting emotions that this entails. The play is outrageously funny and deeply moving, a topic that will trigger many conversations and self evaluations.
The direction by veteran actor/director Jason Alexander is fantastic. The blocking allows actors to use the space effectively and emphasizes the drama of the play. The decision to have Caribay Franke dancing her story is a unique touch to the production that adds visual poetry to the physical theatre.
The cast lead by an excellent Leo Marks is a real treat for the audience. Their lines were delivered with so much punch that this play will stand out for its intensely hilarious dialogue. The writing, direction, and acting make this play a true gem not to be missed.
If I Forget
Written by Steven Levenson. Directed by Jason Alexander. Starring Síle Bermingham, Caribay Franke, Matt Gottlieb, Samantha Klein, Leo Marks, Valerie Perri, Jerry Weil, and Jacob Zelonky. Presented by The Fountain Theatre.
Creative team: Scenic designer Sarah Krainin, lighting designer Donny Jackson, sound designer Cricket S. Myers, costume designer A Jeffrey Schoenberg, and prop master Katelyn M. Lopez. Assistant director Allison Bibicoff. Production stage manager Shawna Voragen. Assistant stage manager Lexie Seacrest. Simon Levy produces and James Bennett associate produces for the Fountain Theatre. Barbara Herman is executive producer.
The Fountain Theatre
5060 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90029
(Fountain at Normandie)
Fridays at 8 p.m.: July 29. Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19, Aug. 26, Sept. 2, Sept. 9
Saturdays at 8 p.m.: July 23 (Opening), July 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 20, Aug. 27, Sept. 3, Sept. 10 9 (dark Aug. 13)
Sundays at 2 p.m.: July 24, July 31, Aug. 7, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 4 (dark Aug. 14)
Mondays at 8 p.m.: Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 22, Aug. 29 (dark July 25. Sept. 5)
Tickets: fountaintheatre.com/
