Crossing Delancey Street , the great divide

A review by ROBERT J. COLIN FONTANELLA

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — “Crossing Delancey's” broad, ethnic humor and silly, delightful story might not be remembered at all if it hadn't been mainstreamed into a film, starring Amy Irving, that was released in 1988.

Susan Sandler's play began as a 1980s workshop production in Jewish Theatre. The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop is currently performing “Crossing Delancey” at the Rivoli Theatre under the direction of Eileen Slater, who also completed the set design and costumes.

The story centers on 30-something Isabel (Izzy) Grossman, played by the charming Melissa McTague, who works in an upscale, Upper West Side Manhattan bookstore and dreams of romance and marriage to a famous (non-Jewish) author. Every Sunday, Isabel visits her 80-something Bubbie (Grandmother Ida), played by Joyce Barbin, and we learn that Bubbie tells the same stories every week.

Bubbie is not religious. She says, “I do not look for God, God looks for me.” She also does not believe in banks and keeps her savings close to her skin. Bossy, narcissistic, complaining and controlling, she is completely adorable.

Distressed because Isabel has not found a suitable husband, Bubbie is taking steps to rectify the situation.

Enter Mrs. Hannah Mandelbaum, the matchmaker who is played with vigor and spirit by Sara Spoerri. Mrs. Mandelbaum, with her mouth always full (of Ida's food), carries an enormous handbag full of pictures of prospective brides and bridegrooms.

Bubbie has already attempted to fix her granddaughter up with the butcher, but Isabel would have none of “that.” Mrs. Mandelbaum has a new candidate for Izzy, the pickle man. Bubbie attempts gentle coercion and diplomatic intimidation, but she is eventually reduced to crass manipulation to get the two together.

Sam the pickle man, played by Christopher Sarles, not only sells pickled vegetables; he is a philosopher, poet and promising writer. At first, his quiet words sail right past Isabel, her heart having set on Tyler, played by the handsome and debonair Karl Spoerri, who barely knows Isabel exists.

Bubbie's daughter has escaped the nest to Florida and is apparently uninterested in Isabel's marital prospects. Bubbie lives in a Lower East Side project, geographically close but worlds apart from Isabel's domain on the Upper West Side.

The deeper meaning of the comedy is not all that funny. The world is divided into two parts: the small, tightly knit ghetto life of the Lower East Side, one step from the old country, and the rest of the universe. By crossing Delancey Street, Isabel has ventured into the terrifying otherworld and faces possible loneliness, isolation and disillusionment.

Pulling back into the narrow confines of her roots means that she would be safe, protected by love and good-natured intolerance.

The current production is well staged and highlights Sandler's work with a light brushstroke that focuses on humor, which is the ultimate life tool necessary for survival.

This review would not be complete without mentioning the unique curtain call written by Joyce Barbin and the brief appearance by the senior ‘star on the rise', Gilbert Barbin, as the deliveryman.

“Crossing Delancey” will be performed at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg on September 10 and 11 at 8:00 p.m. and on September 12 at 2:00 p.m. For more information call 845/436-5336 or 845/434-7232.