Revival Puts ‘Jest’ Foot Forward

The Huntington Beach Playhouse revival of James Sherman’s “Beau Jest” is a good example of how upbeat staging and interesting casting can bring to life a solid but rather ordinary comedy.

Sherman’s play--about a Jewish daughter who hides from her parents the fact that her boyfriend is not Jewish and, even worse, that the escort she hires to play her Jewish doctor fiance is actually a Gentile--is often funny, but it’s too familiar to provide any surprises. Prototypes go back to “Romeo and Juliet,” but “Abie’s Irish Rose” probably is its most recognizable look-alike. This play could be called “Sarah’s Polish Bob.”

What makes the revival sparkle begins with Darlene Hunter-Chaffee’s sprightly direction, infused as it is with optimism and a real sense of the human comedy. There are few moments that aren’t honest, and that’s what makes comedy work.

Some of those moments belong to Renee Oran as Sarah’s mother, who has a good handle on the stereotypical Jewish mother, although sometimes leans too heavily, and sharply, on her obnoxiousness. At these times she’s far from the mother Sarah would love so profoundly.

At the opposite pole is Stu Goldberg as Sarah’s father. He’s hampered by a recent robbery as well as a heart problem stemming from his driving ambition in his business. Goldberg takes the stereotype Sherman has written and given him an offbeat, deadpan treatment that is refreshing and full of insightful humor.

Kim Berg is very good as Sarah, neatly balancing Sarah’s desire to live her own life, and her childish insistence on doing everything to please her parents. It’s a well-rounded performance, comically and emotionally.

The evening is stolen by a fine comic performance from Jason Schlatter as Bob, a young actor whose current day job is as an escort for aging matrons who need an arm to lean on at the opera. Schlatter’s ease, comedy timing and energy are enriched by his insights into Bob’s reluctance when he finds himself falling in love with Sarah. His naturalness should open doors at television casting offices.

Richard Meese is just laid-back enough, and mixed-up enough, to breathe life into another stereotypical character, Sarah’s therapist brother Joel, who is just as much under his parents’ thumbs as his sister. As Sarah’s original boyfriend, Chris, who won’t give up his losing battle to hold on to Sarah, Scott Humphries is on target with boy-next-door energy and charm, but still reserved enough to let the audience in on Bob’s obvious advantages in the struggle.

* “Beau Jest,” Huntington Beach Playhouse, Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Ends Aug. 31. $13. (714) 375-0696. Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes.

Kim Berg: Sarah Goldman

Scott Humphries: Chris

Jason Schlatter: Bob

Richard Meese: Joel

Renee Oran: Miriam

Stu Goldberg: Abe

A Huntington Beach Playhouse production of James Sherman’s comedy. Produced by Catherine Ann Stip. Directed by Darlene Hunter-Chaffee. Scenic design: Kent Johnson, Ron Smith. Lighting design: Douglas Vining. Costume design: Dawn Conant. Stage manager: Ron Smith.