There was a mild sense of disorientation to the full house in attendance, as though few knew what to expect from a one-woman musical about choosing to be a good Jewish lesbian rather than a good Jewish Rabbi’s wife.
However, it was soon clear that we were in the hands of an expert.
Despite the complex issues contained within the narrative, Emily Rose Simons deftly switched between decent comedic dialogue and frankly witty, heartfelt songs, telling of a kvetching and oppressive Golders Green community, highlighting the importance of ritual prayer, and describing the alienation suffered as a consequence of the protagonist’s decision to honour romantic love for her friend rather than Jewish dictate.
The play may have only been 40 minutes long, yet it was still fully realised. I left wholly impressed by Simons’ melodic piano score, gently soaring singing voice and her character Rachel’s quiet but firmly rebellious spirit.
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