Jest a Second Review – Where is “Beau Jest’s” Goldman Family Now?

The Theatre Palisades returns to the stage at the Westchester Playhouse! Originally scheduled for opening night on January 9, 2025 – just three days after the theater burned to the ground in the Palisades wildfire – fellow community theater Kentwood Players opens its heart and home venue, the Westchester Playhouse, to the Theatre Palisades cast, crew, and audience to allow the company to return to the stage. To quote the Kentwood Players President Martin Feldman: “We knew the gift of performing again was something only another theater could offer.” So in June 2025 – only five months after the fiery end to the Theatre Palisades stage – Theatre Palisades proudly presents JEST A SECOND! Better late than never.

Penned as a sequel to the hilarious crowd pleaser “Beau Jest” author James Sherman takes the lovable Goldman family on another journey through their chaotic life. First published as a book in 1992, “Beau Jest” soon found its way off Broadway in 1993 and has become a community theater favorite since then. It quickly became evident to playwright James Sherman that the lovable Goldman family was not yet done with their hilarious and chaotic look at life. Also originally published as a book in 1996, JEST A SECOND! was adapted into a film 2008. Soon thereafter, the Goldmans returned to the stage in their latest adventure.  To quote the Wall Street Journal review: “…trust me on this: JEST A SECOND! is very funny.” The Chicago Tribunes’ review opined: “In a small, special field of sentimental Jewish family comedy, where absolutely nobody does it better than he does, Jim Sherman has written his best play yet, JEST A SECOND!.”

The time is late February in 1995 (about a year after “Beau Jest”), and the place is a one bedroom apartment in a residential area of Chicago. A very pregnant Sarah (Jasmine Haver) and her husband Bob (Jeff Coppage) are about to throw a birthday bash for her mother Miriam (Laura Goldstein). But before Miriam and soon-to-be granddad Abe (Lou Saliba) arrive, up pops Sarah’s brother Joel (Jon Paul Burkhart) uncharacteristically early and full of news he doesn’t want to disclose. It seems that Joel told the family that he was bringing “a friend Randy” to the festivities. Everyone assumed that this was the girlfriend they had been hoping for since Joel split from his ex-wife in an acrimonious divorce. The problem? Randy (Levente Tarr) is Joel’s boyfriend – and Joel is certain that his parents will not approve and probably disown him. Then his brother-in-law Bob comes up with the solution. From his college days as an actor in “La Cage aux Folles,” Bob decides to morph into Miss Randy – and the play takes off on a hysterical merry-go-round of mistaken identity, a doctor in drag, and enough laughs to rival “Beau Jest.”

Skillfully directed by Jonathan Fahn, JEST A SECOND! Is a clever romantic comedy which blends farce, satire, and pure fun into an entertaining smorgasbord focused on a Jewish family’s trials and tribulations in the arena of true love. Fahn is ably assisted by an excellent ensemble cast who manage to bring the Goldman family to life while offering chuckles and guffaws as an appetizer. Sure, there are some stereotypes and tropes involved – but all in the name of fun. Kudos are also in order for the production team, including Sherman Wayne’s set and lighting design, Maria O’Connor’s and Martha Hunter’s costumes, and Susan Stangl’s sound. Considering all the hurdles the Theatre Palisades faced – and overcame – JEST A SECOND! may just qualify as a miracle. Don’t miss this show. It’s an example of love, especially the love of theater, and long may it thrive.

JEST A SECOND in rehearsal – Photo by Joy Daunis

JEST A SECOND runs through June 21, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Theatre Palisades is performing JEST A SECOND at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. For information and reservations, go online.