Penned by Dennis Danziger, playwright for stage and television, THE BROTHERS ABELSON makes its world premiere at the Electric Lodge. Inspired by true events, Danziger looks at a typical Jewish family trying to survive the chaos and catastrophe of everyday life. Directed by Mathew Leavitt and produced by Madge Woods, THE BROTHERS ABELSON draws from real life to create a memorable – and dysfunctional – family which may seem very familiar to many of us, a dramedy which may stir old memories back to life.
Wendy Hammers, Jonah Robinson, and Rick Zieff – Photo by Sofia Riccio
The place is Texas, and the time is Thanksgiving 1977. Twenty-six-year-old Benny Abelson (Jonah Robinson) plans to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with the family in Texas. This isn’t a trip he is looking forward to, but his very successful older brother clued him in on some serious issues going on in the old homestead. And so cartoonist Benny – who lives in New York City, works only sporadically in the arts, can barely afford to live, hasn’t married (but, OMG, has a Catholic girlfriend), and hasn’t provided the Abelsons with any grandchildren – returns to see the parents after years of silence.
Wendy Hammers and Jonah Robinson – Photo by Sofia Riccio
He quickly realizes that something serious is happening to his disheveled dad Isaac (Rick Zieff) – who seems to be having a nervous breakdown – that his overworked, angry mom Miriam (Wendy Hammers) is ready to leave her husband of 35 years – and that his presence isn’t helping at all. It seems that, without explanation, Isaac precipitously sold his carpet business two years ago and now has nothing to anchor him to the world. When his mother suggests that Benny stay for at least a month to care for his morose and demanding father while she visits her sister in Florida, Benny finds himself at a crossroads as guilt collides with self-preservation. Black sheep Benny – the Abelson family loser – is being called upon to fulfill family obligations that he has avoided for most of his life.
Wendy Hammers and Rick Zieff – Photo by Sofia Riccio
Director Leavitt skillfully helms the production, peppered with clever ripostes early on and intriguing in its dysfunctionality. The talented cast of three does a highly skilled job as each character’s story gradually unfolds and long-held secrets begin to sneak into their group consciousness. THE BROTHERS ABELSON is both a family story and a quintessential American immigrant story, the tale of a Jewish World War II veteran who aspires to build a successful life for his family and for generations to follow – and seems ready to fail due to his need for safety and security and his fear of taking risks, even if they mean growth. Only artist Benny has been willing to risk, and his father may never forgive him. David Offner’s scenic design is perfect, a 1977 kitchen with just the right shades and cubbyholes. Coupled with Hannah Schatzle’s costumes, the year comes into clear focus. W. Alejandro Melendez’s lighting and Nick Neidorf’s sound add to the 50-year-old feel. THE BROTHERS ABELSON should appeal to anyone who grew up in a less-than-perfect home (isn’t that all of us?), as well as folks who find character studies fascinating grist for the mill. Get ready to laugh – and maybe cry – as this funny and poignant story unfolds.
Jonah Robinson and Rick Zieff – Photo by Sofia Riccio
THE BROTHERS ABELSON runs through March 2, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Electric Lodge is located at 1416 Electric Avenue, Venice, CA 90291. Tickets are $35. For information and reservations, go online.
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Madge Woods is the producer of the Brothers Abelson.