GOLDSTEIN: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman

GOLDSTEIN is an earnestly appealing new musical about family…in this case an Immigrant Jewish American clan, and while it lacks real depth, it exudes heart and features a super talented cast making the most of the largely bland material.

As the pages of Louis Goldstein’s family memoir stir up a host of emotion in his family, we come to feel for this cast of characters and how their lives have unfolded, for better or worse.  Aunt Sherri (a lovely Megan McGinnis) staunchly declares that the book lacks truth, and Louis (played by a likeable Zal Owen) narrates the tale and endeavors to make a case for the accuracy of his Pulitzer-Prize winning title (not a very plausible claim to fame for the book).

We learn that Zelda (Amie Bermowitz), his grandmother, met the man she yearned to marry onboard the ship she took to NY, but once upon land, never heard from him.  She went on to marry Louie (Jim Stanek), and they had two children, Sherri and Nathan (Aaron Galligan Stierle).

Sherri aspires to become a doctor, but receives no parental support re: her goal.  Nathan later proclaims his plan to attend medical school….and he winds up being a psychologist.  Sherri falls in love, and her boyfriend tragically gets killed at war, under Nathan’s leadership.  Nathan ties the knot with Eleanor (Sarah Beth Pfeifer), and they have two kids….Louis who is gay (which is not endorsed by his parents)……and Miriam (Julie Benko).

Withe the passage of time is the passing of some characters, leaving others to navigate the family affairs and truths peppered with surprises.

Directed by Brad Rouse, and weighed down with too many ballads by Michael Roberts, and a book (with some tender moments) by Charlie Schulman, GOLDSTEIN will find its audience, just as it’s found it’s perfect venue in Actors’ Temple Theatre.

That GOLDSTEIN (90 minutes, no intermission) is playing an open-ended run. Visit www.GoldsteinMusical.com