From Door to Door opened at Pieter Toerien's Theatre at the Bay tonight. It was like being at a Barmitzvah of an old family friend with everyone who is anyone in the Jewish community attending opening night. I loved it and so did my mother. Percy Tucker introduced me to director Moria Blumenthal whose directorial skills don't extend to social graces. For her friend's sake, I hope it was opening night nerves and not her usual demeanor. I was spellbound by Annabel Linder as she played the Jewish bobbah perfectly. Louise St-Claire and Caryn Davidoff were also excellent.
Mervyn Smith who was sitting in front of me remarked the show had more Schmaltz than a bottle of Debra's. If he meant it tugged at the heart strings he was right as I was blubbering into my handkerchief when I wasn't smiling.
Robyn Cohen was looking fabulous in a long knit jacked and John Cavaggia had a Technicolor Dream Coat that Joseph would have plutzed for. Other names darling names, included Aviva Pelham with husband Robert Sulcus, Sybil Sands who never misses a show, Teddy Davis in a denim suit that needs refreshing, John and Mrs Scott, Charmaine and Lennie Miller - she had a gorgeous LV bag, Fairlady editor Ann Donald wearing black-on-black with I'm guessing her daughter, Gorry Bowes Taylor and more yidden in one place than I've seen for ages.
The show is about three generations of Jewish women but it is also about immigrant communities and I believe will be enjoyed by anyone who tries to avoid being like their parent but ends up just so.
We had dinner at Primi Pomodoro in Camps Bay before the show. I'm not sure why they've separated their brands but they've worked hard to tell us that at PP tomatoes reign. It took me only a moment to draw the connection between the names and ubiquitous tomato images on the menu and walls. My Salad Nicoise was fresh, filling and delicious while Ma's yellow-tail with lemon butter impressive. Calvin served us enthusiastically and efficiently. I don't think I've ever left a Primi hungry or unimpressed. Not bad for a fast food chain.