MOMMY THEATRE BLOGGER: Me, My Mouth and I: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman

ME, MY MOUTH AND I – a new solo play written and performed by Joy Behar – is making its world-premiere production at Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce St.),  playing a limited 7-week engagement through December 21.

With more than 30 years on stage and screen, Behar takes her audiences on a journey in ME, MY MOUTH AND I – from her childhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to suburban life as a married housewife, to center stage as a talk show host and comedienne.  She speaks with love and amusement about growing up Italian, even though some perceived her as Jewish. 

Best known as one of the original hosts of ABC-TV’s hit daytime talk show THE VIEW, Behar was one of the show’s most popular hosts for 17 years, ending her run earlier this year.  Along with her fellow panelists Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd and Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Behar won the 2009 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host.  Behar began her stage career in stand-up at such celebrated NY clubs as Caroline’s and Catch a Rising Star, winning three MAC Awards and a CableACE Award.

Behar is a hoot.  A cross between stand-up and personal anecdotes, supported by some comical photos screened on the stage, she comes across as likeable, relatable and approachable, and interacts engagingly with the audience. Behar’s life is the story here.  She shares plenty.  And, her fans respond.  She’s smart, insightful, and not afraid to dish and take jabs below the belt, even when it comes to discussing penises and Lorenna Bobbit.  Her foray into the comedy circuit and the level of success she has achieved is inspiring.  She’s a natural storyteller, and we want to listen and hang with her.

On TV she starred in her own HBO special and was a regular on the series BABY BOOM.  Other appearances include THE TONIGHT SHOW with Jay Leno, THE DAILY SHOW with Jon Stewart, LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY, THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN and LAST COMIC STANDING.  Behar hosted a popular call-in radio show for WABC.  Her film appearances include COOKIE with Peter Falk, THIS IS MY LIFE directed by Nora Ephron and Woody Allen’s MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY.  In theater she appeared in Nicky Silver’s play THE FOOD CHAIN Off-Broadway and VAGINA MONOLOGUES.  She writes a monthly column for GOOD HOUSEKEEPING entitled “Talk to Me,” and has authored the book JOY SCHTICK: or WHAT IS THE EXISTENTIAL VACUUM AND DOES IT COME WITH ATTACHMENTS. 

If you’re a fan of Ms. Behar, take 90 minutes to enjoy “the view” of her on stage.

ME, MY MOUTH AND I is produced by Cherry Lane Theatre, Angelina Fiordellisi, Artistic Director; and Steve Janowitz.  ME, MY MOUTH AND I performs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (Exceptions: added performance on Nov. 26; no performance Nov. 27).  For ticket purchases, call 212 352 3101 or visit www.cherrylanetheatre.org

This year Cherry Lane Theatre celebrates is 90^th anniversary as one of the nation’s leading theaters dedicated to the development and production of new work. 

Tags: joy behar, me my mouth and i, mom theatre blogger Robin Gorman NewmanN, off broadway, show, The View