I recently had the pleasure of attending the sold-out performance of The Sabbath Girl at 59E59 Theaters, a modern romantic comedy that charmed audiences with its poignant and timely story. Written by Cary Gitter and directed by Joe Brancato, this play features a superb cast of five who skillfully bring to life a narrative about cultural differences and the unexpected discovery of love in the bustling city. The Sabbath Girl is a narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences, making it a must-see production for our times.

In The Sabbath Girl, Angie Mastrantoni is a young woman who seemingly has it all—her own thriving art gallery and a new apartment in Manhattan—yet romance remains elusive. That is, until a chance encounter with her neighbor sets her on an unexpected path. This delightful new musical delves into the complexities of modern city life and the serendipity of love, which may be closer than one thinks.

Angie (Marilyn Caserta), a driven and independent 30-year-old Italian American from New Jersey, is completely immersed in her career. As she tells her grandmother, Sophia (Diana DiMarzio), “Happy can wait. I have work to do. Artists to discover, shows to plan.” But fate has other ideas. Just a week after moving into her new apartment, Angie’s routine is unexpectedly interrupted by a knock on the door from Seth (Max Wolkowitz), her Orthodox Jewish neighbor. Struggling with the limitations of the Sabbath, Seth asks Angie for help with a seemingly simple but significant task—turning on his air conditioner. What begins as a mundane favor soon evolves into a connection that deepens as they explore the potential of a relationship.

Their path to love is far from simple, especially given Seth’s religious background. Although Seth is not a strictly traditional Orthodox Jew—he’s divorced, somewhat distant from his community, and runs a knish shop that experiments with modern flavors like pineapple and jalapeno—he still struggles with the implications of dating outside his faith. His sister, Rachel (Lauren Singerman), frequently reminds him of his religious obligations, urging him to return to his roots.

At the same time, Angie contemplates the appeal of Blake (Rory Max Kaplan), a confident artist who fits the archetype of the bad boy. Despite Blake’s allure, Angie’s instincts push her toward something deeper and more meaningful. A visit to Seth’s shop, where they share a knish instead of a kiss, solidifies their bond. The play’s most poignant moment comes not through a romantic gesture, but through a simple act—when Seth removes his yarmulke, a gesture that reveals his vulnerability and trust.

One of the most captivating elements of The Sabbath Girl is its exploration of tradition versus modernity. Angie and Seth’s relationship unfolds with warmth and humor, revealing the challenges and rewards of navigating cultural identities while embracing change. Their story is both touching and thought-provoking, making this play a refreshing take on love in a multicultural world.

The music by Neil Berg enhances the narrative beautifully, particularly in the stirring quintet “Listen to Your Heart,” where all the characters confront their inner conflicts.

The talented cast includes Marilyn Caserta (Six – Theatre World Award), Diana DiMarzio (The Visit, Sweeney Todd), Rory Max Kaplan (Jersey Boys, A Bronx Tale), Lauren Singerman (Caroline, Or Change, Forbidden Broadway), and Max Wolkowitz (Indecent, My Name is Asher Lev). Audiences will relish scenes such as Seth’s first meeting with Angie, Sophia’s nostalgic recollections of past romances, Angie’s interpretation of Blake’s artwork, and many more memorable moments.

With its clever premise and standout performances, especially from Kaplan and Caserta, The Sabbath Girl is a production that should not be missed. The show remains consistently engaging, driven by a dynamic lead performance that captures the audience’s attention from start to finish.

The creative team has crafted a visually and emotionally rich environment for the play, making The Sabbath Girl a universally appealing production that is sure to enchant audiences. Performances begin Tuesday, July 23, 2024, for a limited engagement through September 1, 2024, at 59E59 Theaters – Theater A. The performance schedule is Tuesday to Friday at 7:15 pm, Saturday at 2:15 pm and 7:15 pm, and Sunday at 2:15 pm. To purchase tickets, call the 59E59 Box Office at 646-892-7999 or visit 59E59 Theaters.

Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide