It's a mark of how far St. Louis has come that the New Jewish Theatre is staging "My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding" in a quiet suburb and the opening night audience was not only plentiful but having plenty of fun. This Canadian musical, which began at a fringe festival, hits a topic that's suddenly very timely in the United States.
The play, which is which is semi-autobiographical, is told from the standpoint of a kid from Nebraska. His mother takes a teaching job in Ottowa after her divorce – and discovers a whole new life there. One can argue that the first twenty minutes or so which involve the coming out are deeply superficial, but, hey, this is a musical comedy, and that's what we need to get to point B in the story.
Plenty of good work from the cast. Laura Ackermann is Claire, the mom, who falls in love with Jane, played by Deborah Sharn. Their voices work well together in the plentiful and often very funny duets. David, the son and narrator, is a relaxed and charming Ben Nordstrom. His younger self, Pierce Hastings, goes from 12 to old-enough-to-be-married pretty believably. And who knew John Flack, playing the ex-husband Garth in a very funny turn, could sing do-wop so well?
Many of the cast do multiple roles, helped by hats and wigs. The versatile Anna Skidis leads things off, and Jennifer Theby-Quinn also charms. A particular toss of the scarf to costume designer Michele Friedman Siler who hints at but avoids the cliches of the situation – no Birkenstock sandals, for instance – and utilizes those hats and wig consultant Christie Sifford's contributions to great effects There's a point where I found myself so intrigued with the costumes of some of the singing chorus that I completely missed the lyrics, so amusing are they.
Ed Coffield's direction keeps things moving quickly, leaving this play with no intermission a fast evening's entertainment.
My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding
through May 31
The New Jewish Theatre
Wool Studio Theater
2 Millstone Campus Drive