Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Ed Weinberger’s TWO JEWS, TALKING starring Hal Linden and Bernie Kopell amusingly delivers on its premise

• By drediman
• September 20, 2022
• No Comments

This past weekend, I attended Ed Weinberger’s new Off-Broadway play Two Jews, Talking, which continues its run at the Theatre at St. Clement’s. The two-hander was created to be a vehicle for a pair of recognizable stage and screen actors — Hal Linden and Bernie Kopell. The opportunity see these veterans live is likely the calling card for many prospective audience members, many of whom will nostalgically remember the duo from beloved television shows of yore (e.g., Barney Miller, The Love Boat).

Simply said, the efficiently-staged production delivers on its unapologetically straightforward premise to portray, well, two Jews talking. The play is segregated into two parts. The prologue introduces us to two Jewish men during Biblical times as they discuss love, sex, family, Judaism, and the tribulations of daily life (not necessarily in that order!). The play then fast forwards to present times to depict two men who strike up a conversation on a city park bench. Unsurprisingly, all these years later, their concerns remain largely the same as their antecedents’. Despite its slight stature and some creaky jokes here and there, Two Jews, Talking easily appeases the expectations of its target audience.

Indeed, the play is sweet and amusing, especially as performed by Mr. Linden and Mr. Kopell, who play both the Biblical characters and their contemporary counterparts with a masterful comic touch. In both segments, Mr. Linden is animated and an effusive communicator, especially during his many rants. In contrast, Kopell is brilliantly economical in his deadpan delivery — and just as delicious. Together, they form an odd couple act that delights. Suffice to say, it’s a refreshing change of pace to see actors of a certain age take center stage.

RECOMMENDED

TWO JEWS, TALKING
Off-Broadway, Play
Theatre at St. Clement’s
1 hour, 5 minutes (without an intermission)
Open-ended run