An “unorthodox love story” weaves comedy and storytelling into a charming tapestry
How does a Jägerbomb at the Pleasance bar lead to adult circumcision? Let Max Olesker tell you in his solo show based on his memoir of the same name. Max falls in love with Eliana. They’re both performers, they’re both London Jews, but there’s one problem: her family is Orthodox and he’s the son of a Jewish father and a convert mother. In order to marry, Max must convert to Orthodoxy himself, undergoing a yearslong initiation steeped in tradition and rigid rules that will put his relationship to the test.
Olesker is a real wordsmith. His jokes have a rhythm, tension and release in language similar to fellow comedic storyteller Mike Birbiglia. A highlight of the show comes in a patter song about the Orthodox community he joins in Hendon that makes a case for a full stage musical being the next iteration of this memoir. He also reads a beautiful poem he wrote for his ailing father, bringing the theme of his family’s love of the arts to a poignant conclusion.
Some of the sound cues in the show that feature canned music to accompany scenes feel unnecessary; they could be scrapped or recomposed into something subtler to frame the text. In addition, maybe by virtue of being adapted from the book, some passages can feel repetitive and skimp on action.
Overall, though, Olesker’s fascinating journey proves a rewarding watch and a memorable exploration of the things we do to prove our love and our faith to each other – and how much in common those two things have.
By Maia Kahn
Photo by Matt Stronge
Max Olesker: Making the Cut runs until Sunday 30 August. 6.50pm. £15-£17, £14-£16 concs. 10 Dome @ Pleasance Dome, EH8 9AL. edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/max-olesker-making-the-cut