Jewtopia

Adapted from the stage production, JEWTOPIA is an irreverent and often uncomfortable blend of history, sociology, and comedy. Think of it as everything you ever wanted to know about the Jewish people and religion shoved into an overlong "Saturday Night Live"-style skit. Wolfson and Fogel, together with actress Jackie Tohn, perform the material in a silly style that shifts between sounding pretentious and sounding like a fraternity skit. Fact and actual religious doctrine are indistinguishable from spoof, bathroom humor, and anti-Bush gags. This studio recording at times feels sterile and forced. The program might have been funnier had it been recorded in front of a live audience. Then again, it may have only seemed funnier. JEWTOPIA has some clever moments, but the majority of it falls flat as last year's matzoh. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

September 4, 2006
The world of Jewish humor books is crowded but the style used by the authors of the play Jewtopia, including audio touches which show they understand the medium, gives this work some nice elbow room. Alternating as narrators, the authors present-among other things-a timeline of Jewish expulsions, a summary of each holiday, an investigation into the veracity of stereotypes, a travel guide for Jews, and conversations with (their own) Jewish mothers. Snippets of music, little sound effects-including the narrators saying "BING!"-and a sprinkling of short jokes add to the fun. Jews will find tips on blending in at a Gentile bachelor party and Gentiles will get lessons on ordering food in a restaurant like a Jew. Some of the shtick, such as Moses' diary during the forty years in the desert, doesn't work very well and intermittent overemphasized delivery sounds a bit like bad stand-up. However, for the most part this unique presentation will have listeners smiling in recognition, learning a thing or two, and possibly adding a laugh track. Simultaneous release with the Warner Books hardcover. (Reviews, Sept. 14).

September 4, 2006
In this companion to their successful off-Broadway show of the same name, authors Wolfson and Fogel have as much fun with their Jewish roots as is humanly possible, exploring and excoriating Jewish history, culture and stereotypes. The tone is light and farcical, the humor decidedly-but cleverly-lowbrow. Fair warning to the devout: to these authors, nothing is holy. An excerpt from Moses' progressively desperate (and profanity-laced) diary reads, "Had to drink my own URINE today. Breath smells like pee. AND I'M STILL F___ING LOST." Other topics of study are food (including petchah, one of the "foods we're not so proud of"), a primer on conspiracy theories ("Did Jews stunt the growth of Gary Coleman so they could create Diff'rent Strokes?"), and a Jewish Guide to Life ("From Bar Mitzvahs to Bowels"). While the syncopated factual-to-offensive rhythm can wear thin, and familiar jokes abound ("Christmas Vs. Hanukah," anyone?), copious illustrations, tables and unexpected side-notes (an eight-part "Phone Conversations with Jewish Mothers" series) keep the material fresh, entertaining and downright shocking (a mock-up of Alan Greenspan in a Speedo and a large gold chain qualifies as all three). If you've ever pondered how exactly Noah spent his time aboard the ark ("Shuffleboard was available on deck 2") or what gefilte fish really is, you won't be disappointed. Just don't forget the final exam.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.