---Theatre Review by Jackie Houchin

Lest you be confused, the new play showing at the Sierra Madre Playhouse is a "boyfriend comedy," not the mystery film about a brother in the French Foreign Legion (Beau Geste,1939).

Written by James Sherman and directed by Stan Kelly, "Beau Jest" is a play that's both humorous and touching; acted by professionals who know what they're doing and have fun doing it.

It's the story of Sarah Goldman (skillfully performed by Meg Wolf) a nice Jewish girl who is dating a Gentile man named - of all things - Chris Cringle ( John Lysaght).

She loves her parents and wants to please them, but they want her to marry a "nice Jewish boy," preferably a doctor.

To make them happy, Sarah invents just such a boyfriend and names him Dr. David Steinberg. The problem arises when her parents and her brother ( Jonas Gabriel) want to meet the man.

In a panic, Sarah hires an actor she believes is Jewish to play the part. But things get complicated when both she and her parents fall in love with the imposter.

Belatedly, and to her horror, Sarah learns that he's a Gentile, too! When she's forced to tell everyone the truth, feelings get hurt, tempers flare and tragedy strikes.

Rosina Pinchot and Howard Krupnick are hilarious as Miriam and Abe Goldman. They have the Yiddish and exaggerated mannerisms of a "typical" bickering New York Jewish couple down perfectly. It's clichéd, but oh, so funny!

Tall and handsome Travis Nefores plays Bob, the actor who poses as Dr. Steinberg. His easy smile and charming ways will win the audience as well as Sarah and the Goldbergs.

Much of the action takes place around a dinner table. The audience will learn a lot about Jewish tradition and history (especially Passover). Be patient through the few slow places. It's worth it for this otherwise uplifting and very entertaining family play.

"Beau Jest" plays Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through June 14.

Admission is $20 for seniors (65 and older), $17 for students (12-17) and $12 for children (under 12).

For reservations and information, call 626-256-3809.

The Sierra Madres Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Sierra Madre.

There is ample free parking behind the theater.