` In the 1950’s and ‘60’s, entertainment in the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York, was dominated by many extraordinary entertainers. Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte, and Sammy Davis, Jr. were among the scores of famous performers. Even more than the singers, the Catskills (also known as the Borscht Belt for decades) were the great comedians of the day- Jackie Mason, Buddy Hackett, George Burns, Henny Youngman, Joan Rivers, and Billy Crystal, to name a few. These are among the many portrayed by Tony Braithwaite in a 70-minute performance on the Act II Playhouse stage in Ambler. In the show, “Christmas in the Catskills.” He is truly amazing!
The Borscht Belt arose when Jews weren’t permitted entry into many of the hotels around the country. Places like Kutcshers, Grossingers, The Nevele, and Browns soon developed a reputation for having the finest food and the finest comedians. Tony Braithwaite, with the assistance of Assistant Director Nick Cordillo and pianist Dan Matarazzo, have collected routines and monologues and created a show for the ages. And only Braithwaite, amongst all the Philadelphia comedians, could portray these iconic comedians with both subtlety and panache. And while it is most appealing to an older crowd, I do think that younger folks who enjoy comedy will get a kick out of the wide assortment of jokes.
I find lots of today’s comedy a bit over-the-top, but what I loved about this show is that Braithwaite lets the lines speak for themselves with just little nuances. As he imitates the styles of Jerry Lewis, Mort Sahl and others, he doesn’t try to overdo it- still, he nails each one.
Early on, Braithwaite informs us that he grew up a practicing Catholic. What’s he doing, then, performing the likes of these great Jewish comedians? He’s doing what he does best- portraying them and portraying them probably better than anyone else. He had me, usually smiling at good comedy, laughing out loud.
One sad note. At the end of the show, Braithwaite comes on to tell us that if we liked the show, not to tell our friends about it. It is sold out for the run. I am glad for them, and hope they bring it back next December. to make it available for the tons of others who would love this show as I did.
“Christmas in the Catskills” created by Tony Braithwaite, Nick Cardillo, and Dan Matarazzo at Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Avenue., Ambler, PA 19002, 215-654-0200, act2.org Thru December 30, 2023
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 