Even if you're the type destined to arrive last for your own burial, you should make a concerted effort to show up at least fifteen minutes early for GRANDMA SYLVIA'S FUNERAL, the interactive comedy playing for four consecutive days at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts. During those precious fifteen minutes, Grandma Sylvia herself arrives in a coffin that has been unceremoniously jammed into a taxi trunk. Her hearse broke down on the highway and the only way to get her to the funeral home, aka the theatre on time, is in a cab, driven by an Arab cabdriver. As a ticket holder, you may be drafted to help carry the coffin. Or be willing to mingle with the members of the cast who are milling around, playing the roles of Sylvia’s friends and family. Just be prepared to explain how you knew Sylvia. It’s bound to come up in the conversation.
Conversation? As a ticket holder and member of the audience, you will have the opportunity to be both an observer and participant in this highly improvisational and entertaining saga of a seemingly traditional Jewish funeral gone wrong, terribly wrong.
If interacting with Grandma Sylvia's crazy Jewish family isn't enough, did we mention there will be FREE FOOD?
Modeled after the popular production, Tony n’ Tina’s wedding, Grandma Sylvia's Funeral, opened October 25, 1992 in Los Angeles and was followed by a five year successful run Off Broadway. Based loosely on real life friends and family of the script writers and their friends, the story centers on the tragic death of Grandma Sylvia, who was killed by a garbage truck.
Attending the funeral are two sides of Sylvia’s family, the Schildners and Grossmans, a colorful array of stereotypical characters including Son Jerry and his girlfriend, a former prostitute and exotic dancer, Son Harvey and his wife Marlena, a makeup artist, Sylvia’s rich brother Dave and his girlfriend Elsie plus a dysfunctional 18 more.
In reality, the whole clan belongs in the circus or on a psychiatrist’s couch; but instead they move from performing on stage to siting in the theater chairs to mingle with the audience. The audience in turn joins in songs and even eats from the bereavement bagel buffet. So along with your ticket, be prepared to enjoy a light repast, courtesy of the “house.”
Thanks to Miami-born actor turned director and producer, Barry Weinberger, the play is being revived using the original script for a four day run in Boca Raton. Mr. Weinberger served in the original cast in Los Angeles, New York and feels the time is right for Grandma Sylvia's Funeral to debut again in South Florida.
For all those who are dying to be casted or looking for an afternoon or evening of laugh-out-loud entertainment, this show is predicted to sellout!
Book your tickets today.
See you at the funeral!