By Julianne Mosher
Looking for something to do on a cold winter’s day? May I recommend the latest offering at Theatre Three as the stage turns into 1980s New York City where we meet a 30-something single lady who’s trying to navigate dating, the prospect of marriage and an overbearing (yet lovable) grandmother.
With a small, yet strong, cast of five, Crossing Delancey is a refreshing romantic comedy that will make anyone in the audience smile. Although it has simple, predictable plot (especially if you’ve seen the 1988 film starring Amy Irving), Theatre Three’s production is still a must see.
The show, written by Susan Sandler and directed by Colleen Rebecca Britt, follows Isabelle “Izzy” Grossman (Michelle LaBozzetta), a young, single bookstore worker who spends almost every day at her Yiddish grandmother, Ida’s (Ginger Dalton) apartment on the Lower East Side.
We watch Grossman as she falls for local author Tyler (Antoine Jones), who frequents her bookshop, meanwhile Ida recruits a matchmaker, Mrs. Mandelbaum (Catherine Maloney) to find her granddaughter a nice boy. Mandelbaum has the perfect suitor for the independent Izzy — Sam (Steven Uihlein), a local pickle vendor who comes from a nice, Jewish family. Izzy must answer one question; does she go after her crush who barely knows she exists, or does she “settle” with someone who’s seen her standout amongst the crowd in their community for years?
Upon entering the theatre, the stage transforms to a typical 1980s kitchen to the right and small bookshop on the left thanks to Randall Parsons’ scenic design. There, Ida and Izzy share stories, food and drink. LaBozzetta’s Izzy is a bold modern-day woman (with great 80s style from Jason Allyn’s costume design) and her monologues make you laugh when she breaks the fourth wall. Her colorful jumpsuits and bowler hat are straight out of a John Hughes film’s closet.
The two suitors of the plot, Jones and Uihlein, bring a table full of emotions; you’re going to fall in love one, but hate the other, audibly rooting for the pickle man to win Izzy’s heart. Maloney’s Hannah Mandelbaum is an unsung hero as a supporting actor whose comic relief brings joy to the stage. Portraying a stereotypical Jewish matchmaker, her character is a lot of fun.
However, Dalton’s Ida, or Bubbie as she’s lovingly called by her family, is a riot. Dalton does a great job playing this dynamic granny who’s just looking out for her granddaughter. Everyone knows a Bubbie — she looks out the window, tells tales about how all the boys wanted her back in the day, shows off her muscles and sings in Yiddish full of heart and humor.
With funny and authentic dialogue throughout the show, the characters are genuine and shine bright on the stage. You won’t want to miss this one.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Crossing Delancey through Feb. 9. The season continues with Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical from March 1 to March 30. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12, $25 Wednesday matinees. To order, cal 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.