The Broadway Maven’s “Funny Jews” class meets Thursdays in May at Noon ET. Sign-up here by the end of the day tomorrow to save $7 off the regular rate of $25.
Included:
• Philip Roth (May 6) Widely acclaimed as the funniest American Jewish novelist, Philip Roth’s humor goes well beyond the infamous “liver scene” in Portnoy’s Complaint. We’ll look at some of his one-liners, absurd situations, and biting commentary that makes his work such a delight to read. Expect recommendations for where to start on your own Roth reading, too.
• SNL’s Jews (May 13) Saturday Night Live has had many Jewish performers, of course, but this session is more interested in the sketches that explore Jewish themes, like “Coffee Talk with Linda Richman” (Barbra Streisand edition); “Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy”; Adam Sandler’s “Chanukah Song”; Gilda Radner’s “Jewess Jeans”; and the bar mitzvah memories of African-American Jewish rapper Drake.
• Funny Women (May 20) What makes American Jewish funnywomen Fanny Brice, Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner, and Sarah Silverman so uproarious? We’ll look at sketches, stand-up, parodies, and guest appearances.
• Norman Lear’s sitcoms (May 27) This pioneer of evening television (All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Maude, Good Times) helped America laugh in the 1970s - but also helped it think, and change. We’ll look at a dozen brief clips exploring topical issues like abortion, race, guns, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and rape. How did he balance funny with serious?
Sign up here no later than the end of the day Thursday the 15th of April to get more than a quarter off the normal registration fee of $25.