THE HANGOVER REPORT – Funny woman Judy Gold chronicles her development in YES, I CAN SAY THAT!, in the process articulating the necessity for comedy

Judy Gold in Primary Stages’ production of “Yes, I Can Say That” at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters (photo by James Leynse).

Last night, funny woman Judy Gold’s Yes, I Can Say That! opened Off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters courtesy of the venue’s resident theater company Primary Stages. Based on Gold’s 2020 book of the same name, the show is in essence a love letter to stand-up comedy extolling its virtues as a legitimate performative art form, as well as a chronicle of the origins and development the beloved and imposing comic — both in terms of her personal life’s story and, more broadly speaking, her female comic forbears.

Co-written by Eddie Sarfaty, Yes, I Can Say That! straddles both the theatrical monologue format and — by necessity — more traditional stand-up comedy. As a sort of “state of the nation” address, Gold brings urgency to the show, particularly as it relates to the censorship of comedians and their under-appreciated and under-heralded role as society’s soothsayers. More controversially, she bluntly speaks her mind about her advocacy of tough love over codling, among other topics. Especially when combined with Gold’s emphatic delivery and undeterred conviction, the resulting show — both hilarious and sobering — makes its case(s) adamantly.

The production has been directed by stage and screen actor BD Wong (a Tony-winner for his performance in M. Butterfly once upon a time), successfully translating the work from page to stage. Indeed, the stage iteration of Yes, I Can Say That! (the book’s complete title is Yes, I Can Say That: When They Come for the Comedians, We Are All in Trouble) is well-judged and beautifully-produced, providing a dynamic environment in which Gold — big-mouthed and big-hearted as she (unapologetically) is — can feel her way through the material, in the process articulating the necessity for comedy.

RECOMMENDED

YES, I CAN SAY THAT!
Off-Broadway, Play
Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters
1 hour, 30 minutes (without an intermission)
Through April 16

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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