Comedy Review and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
The Clermont Performing Art Center’s Mainstage was host to Steve Solomon’s ‘My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy’ as a one-man comedy show. Solomon grew up in the diverse ethnic neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn which gave him plenty of stories and material where he became known as the class clown. Solomon shares iconic voices and crazy memories from his parents, family, his marriages, children, grandkids, pets, friends, police, TSA travel experiences and life. He amazingly created accents, sound effects, characterizations and dialects that the audience easily related to. Almost 850 people attended the 2-hour show.
Steve Solomon is the author and Broadway star of this show which is described as “One part lasagna, one-part kreplach and two parts Prozac”. This show has now become one of the longest-running one-man comedies in history. Solomon has performed one-man comedy shows all over the USA and on cruise ships. He shares how writing and comedy are really his fifth career direction, as most of his life was spent as a teacher, educator and school principal.
He shared funny stories from his Italian cousins – “the warlords” and his Jewish cousins – “the landlords”. He talked about how crazy it was going to church on Sundays and Hebrew School on other days. While talking about the Jewish Holidays, he said, “They’re all the same. They tried to kill us. Then God saved us. So, let’s eat!” While discussing puberty, he shared how he first learned about sex on the streets, rather than from his parents. He once asked his grandmother, “What are genitals?” She answered, “They’re the non-Jewish people!” He once asked his dad what is marriage like. His father responded, “Marriage is like a bank account. First, you put it in. Then, you take it out. And, then you lose interest!” One of the important guiding thoughts from his father was, “Never take a sleeping pill and a laxative at the same time!” He had endless hilarious stories about family weddings, funerals, and special occasions, while noting he always proudly sat at the children’s tables.
******
Clermont Performing Art Center’s Mainstage has been home to numerous legendary acts from Broadway and bluegrass, opera to comedy, famous stars from the worlds of rock and roll, theater, movies and television. This 1000 seat auditorium theater is the largest in Lake County, yet offers an intimate setting that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Upcoming CPAC Shows: You Are Still There – Favorite Moments of The Stars and Friday Night will be performed on November 12 and December 10. The Florida Philharmonic will perform a Home for The Holidays show on Saturday, December 11. Gilligan’z Island will be on stage January 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2022. On Thursday, February 3, Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits will be here for a sixties show. Besides many upcoming 2022 Mainstage Performances, be sure to check out all of the additional entertainment with their Friday Night at the Black Box series.
The Clermont Performing Arts Center has a most entertaining season planned with classics from the world of theater, music and pop culture. Seasonal subscriptions offer a 15% discount with priority reserved seating for 10 or more shows. Tickets for all shows are on sale and can be purchased at https://clermontperformingarts.com/ or by calling 352-394-4800.
