THE LAST YIDDISH SPEAKER – Written by Deborah Zoe Laufer; Directed by Amy Feinberg. Produced by Theatre Or (Presented at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center’s Pluss Theatre, 350 South Dahlia, Denver) through April 19, 2026. Tickets available at 303-316-6360 or tickets@jccdenver.org.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, it is against the law to fly the flag upside down, UNLESS it is “a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” An examination of the back wall of the cabin in which we find the relocated Mary and Paul will find a very subtle reminder that this father and daughter are indeed in “extreme danger.” The wooden backdrop features a barely noticeable upside-down protest. The “Wagners,” as they are now known, are what’s left of a Jewish family in the heart of a new America where this is forbidden.
Following a successful insurrection in 2021, the States has undergone a startling metamorphosis. Not only Jews, but Catholics, Mormons, all people of color or foreign origin, gays, those who are in any way different have either assimilated, assumed a new identity or been killed or deported. 1984 was in full swing by 2029 with Big Brother monitors of social media, reading material, personal communications, lesson plans, and family behavior. It is an existence that grinds on Mary (formerly Sarah – too Jewish a name for those in power) and nearly paralyzes her father with fear. Their only visitor is John, a cornfed farm boy assigned to them as their monitor who has developed feelings beyond fondness for Mary.
The arrival in the middle of the night of a mysterious, mystical woman named Chava throws their carefully constructed way of life out the window. She has arrived from the unknown to teach Sarah Yiddish, so their original way of life and culture are, in some small way, preserved. As she slowly re-awakens Sarah’s Jewishness, she too learns some English and develops an awareness of the danger they live in. They harbor “getaway” bags at the ready, knowing they will be required someday. The precarious situation comes to a head on the night of the high school prom when Mary – now acting as Sarah – can no longer contain her anger.
It’s a script that brings to life the question, “Who will they come for first?” Imagine, if you can, living in a world where your (perhaps married) name brands you as a foreigner. Where you are too old or too infirm to work and care for yourself. Where your children are sickly or weak. Where the religion that has sustained you throughout your life is no longer acceptable. Where there is only one source of world news, one newspaper, one sort of book available to read, and one channel on the TV. In this small theatre in this city in the middle of the country in 2026, thought must be given to the decisions we make day by day as potential outcomes are reflected in this script.
Helping us ponder these questions is a cast that brings it to poignant life in ways that reflect both the practical and the mystical. Chava is a woman who has existed for a millennium, has outlived a multitude of partners in life, but who still finds humor, joy, and calmness in this version of the troubled world. Her impact on Sarah is immediate and meaningful. She is able to produce lit candles with a wink and predict outcomes with a sigh. Dia Kline is a strong, steady presence in the world of chaos. Her level-headed approach to the troubles is akin to been there – done that – don’t worry. Her quietude is a cooling balm on Sarah’s hurt soul.
Kevin Hart has long been one of the best actors Denver has ever produced. While he is a comic genius, it is joyous to see him inhabit a serious role as the father. Paul sees what is happening in the world; his wife left for a protest one day and never came back. He knows what could happen to Sarah. He is so determined to keep her safe that he has given up his job in New York as a city planner and is now working at the more acceptable Walmart. Canada, as a place where she could still attend college, is the goal. He worries, he tries to make her see the light as he sees it, and ultimately, he sees that Sarah has the strength to find a new world. Watching Kevin go through these changes is a master class in transition.
The younger actors are also more than up to the demands of their roles. Maddy Wagner as Mary/Sarah and Solomon Abell as John, her boyfriend, are relative newcomers to Denver theatre. They bring not only youthful energy to their performances, but an understanding of the script that strengthens the story. Maddy captures the anger at having her world turned upside down, at her father for his perceived submission, and her school for allowing a “one point of view” situation. Yet she is still a girl, immersed in her first crush, still tender-hearted. Maddy captures all the nuance, all the angst, as well as the fear and anger. Solomon is like a young Brad Pitt with his “golly gee” mentality and his down-home style. You know darn well they were doing line dancing at that prom! But when push comes to shove, he is there for Sarah (Mary to him), and you love him for it.
This is one that will stick with you for a long time. This is one that you pray will never become reality.
A WOW factor of 9!!