Stage Review: 'Walking in Memphis' sends personal message on being Jewish

Jonathan Adam Ross

Judaism — not just the religion, but all the social and family trappings — is the subject of Jonathan Adam Ross’ two solo plays this weekend at TheatreWorks, part of Playhouse on the Square’s new solo works series.

Now a New Yorker, Ross grew up here, and geography figures prominently in his autobiographical “Walking in Memphis.”

Jonathan Adam Ross

Interspersing lyrics from the Marc Cohn song as reference points, he shares memories from his youth in the not-so-long-ago 1990s, often sounding more like a character in a sepia-toned Neil Simon play.

“In the north, I’m seen as exotic,” he says, describing the apparent contradiction of being both Southern and Jewish. The premise seems a bit absurd if you live in Memphis, with its prominent and influential Jewish community. Other elements of his story, written for Northerners, come across as common instead of charmingly rustic, like when Ross and his father visit a quaint eatery called a Waffle House.

Ross, tall and thin with a shaved head, is a gifted storyteller and mimic. “Walking in Memphis,” however, will be a more insightful play in 20 years, when age gives him a different perspective on a life story that is minutes behind him.

His newest solo play, “God of Our Fathers” developed with writer J. Michael Feldman, centers around a Jewish family during important occasions when religion comes to the forefront, namely brit milah, bar mitzvah, marriage and death.

Playing multiple characters, he builds on the theme that each generation has a different relationship with God. A rabbi ties the ceremonial events together with readings from the Torah.

Still in development, the piece shows Ross’ forte for switching between characters. He uses a taleth, or prayer shawl, as his primary prop. Sometimes it’s the head scarf of an older aunt, or the cummerbund of an alcoholic uncle.

Immersed in Jewish rites and customs, “God of Our Fathers” may speak loudest to Ross’ own faith. The play represents his most personal message about what it means to be Jewish in modern America.

— Christopher Blank: 529-2305

“Walking in Memphis” and “God of Our Fathers”

Performances at 8 tonight and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at TheatreWorks, 2085 Monroe. Tickets are $20. Call 726-4656.

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