Theater Reviews : A Genial ‘Beau Jest’ That Any Parent Would Like

The title of James Sherman’s “Beau Jest” encapsulates the action of this charming comedy in which a young woman hires an actor to impersonate her imaginary boyfriend. At the Studio Theatre of Long Beach Playhouse, the title also aptly describes a lovely production that is full of good humor.

Sarah Goldman is a nice Jewish girl who wants nothing more than to please her parents. To that end, she pretends to have broken up with her non-Jewish boyfriend and has invented a wonderful man to take his place. When the family comes over to dinner to meet this new sweetheart, Sarah engages a ringer through an escort service.

Unfortunately, in spite of Sarah’s specific request, Bob, the innocent fellow who shows up under the misconception that he will be taking an old lady to the opera, is not Jewish. He is, however, an actor who is game for a challenge. With only moments to spare, he and Sarah launch a campaign to convince Mom, Dad and brother Joel that Bob actually is Dr. David Steinberg, Jewish boyfriend extraordinaire.

Bob’s eclectic thespian’s education allays the threat of discovery. He knows the prayer to be said over the Shabbat wine from his many productions of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Though he later confesses to being a guy who “couldn’t stop a nosebleed,” Bob is able to explain an involved medical term because of his own father’s heart condition. The more successfully Bob impersonates the mythical perfect catch, the more inextricably he and Sarah become enmeshed in their own deception.

Under the smooth, unhurried direction of Robert G. Leigh, the jest unfolds deliciously. Like Steve D. Grodt’s inviting set, Leigh’s production is detailed and houses human beings rather than the caricatures that lurk beneath the surface of Sherman’s script.

Tim Diamond is completely disarming as Bob, a modest, genteel fellow with the soul of an adventurer and chutzpah to spare. Amy Greenberg is an appealing Sarah, but the family dynamic that impels her to deceive her parents in order to please them is not very specific here. Shirley Romano and Murray Rubin are almost too likable as Mom and Dad Goldman, but as Joel, the therapist brother, Warren Davis is dead-on in a believable, funny performance.

Believability is the bonus of this production, which is more about people than punch lines. You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy it, although the Seder scene will be especially funny to those familiar with this traditionally long and extremely personal family service, rendered here in a greatly condensed version with all the eccentricities of the Goldman family for spice. * “Beau Jest,” Studio Theater, Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., matinee April 23, 2 p.m. Ends April 29. $10. (310) 494-1616. Running time: 2 hours.

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Amy Greenberg: Sarah Goldman

Phil Oakley: Chris

Tim Diamond: Bob

Warren Davis: Joel

Shirley Romano: Miriam

Murray Rubin: Abe

James Rice: understudy (men)

A Long Beach Playhouse production of James Sherman’s play. Directed by Robert G. Leigh. Scenic design: Steve D. Grodt. Lights: John J. Grant. Stage Manager: Steve Ramirez.