Oil Lamp Theater's Beau Jest Is "Must-See" Entertainment!

When it comes to great theater, Glenview's Oil Lamp Theater has become the gold-standard for presenting top notch entertainment. With so much competition for your leisure spend, Oil Lamp Theater makes a strong case over and above their perceived competitors.

It's no coincidence that Oil Lamp has taken home North Shore Choice Awards three consecutive year's and to the delight of their core fans, under the ever-watchful eye of Executive & Artistic Director Keith Gerth, their loyalty is handsomely rewarded.

Gerth is also the quintessential Host, graciously welcoming each and every patron into the charming Oil Lamp Theater with grace and a twinkle in his eye. When you enter the "lobby" the feel is comparable to strolling into a warm, comfortable, parlor, from days of yore. Adjacent to the cozy antique-like setting is a wonderful bar-setting unlike any north of the city. Keith encourages customer's to indulge in homemade cookies, nuts and candies while they await Act 1 of the show. The only thing missing is the throwback handlebar mustache adorning Gerth's face, while he effortlessly kibitzes with happy clientele.

James Sherman's Beau Jest is a compelling romp combining rich Jewish traditions along with uproarious situational comedy farce about a Jewish girl Sarah (brilliantly portrayed by Madeline Baird), secretly dating outside her religion. Due to old school pressure from her Mother (played by Julie Mitre/checking off all the hilarious Jewish stereotypes), Sarah's tortured soul has spent her young life devoted to pleasing her parents instead of being true to herself.

Rather than experience the ire of her parents disapproval of her gentile flame, Sarah decides to trick them by hiring a fledging actor "Bob" (played by the talented and versatile Zach Finch) who moonlights as, (get this) an Escort to play the part of her Jewish boyfriend, much to the angst of her actual boyfriend Chris (played by the outstanding Mathias Blake).

With her brother Joel (portrayed by the deadpan Alex Ireys) a Psychologist who provides Sarah with a compelling checks and balance/conscious and all the madcap Michigas (Crazy in Yiddish) between her parent's and the rest of the cast, the Father, Abe (hilariously portrayed by the great Ken Rubenstein), along with Mirium, discover that Passover will never be the same again!

While there are stereotypes aplenty, between the bickering, meddeling parents and the "Jewish Guilt," Sarah uncovers her personal truth when during her journey she unexpectedly falls in love with Bob, the actor/escort masquerading as Dr. Steinberg, the Jewish Doctor. Once she's ultimately confronted with the culmination of lies that have crescendoed within the triangulation between herself, Bob and Chris, Sarah is forced to face her parents who (Oy Vey) will Plotz (collapse) when they learn the truth!

Beau Jest is an authentic joy to behold and the cast is exceptional. Director Elizabeth Mazur Levin transcends the performances with her tremendous direction and Stage Manager, Savannah Clements ensures that set transitions are seamless.

Beau Jest is a wonderful blend of madcap comedy, farce and a heartwarming, feel good romp about love, family and living one's truth.

Be sure to book reservations in advance by going to www.oillamptheater.org or calling their box office at: 847-834-0738