'Jewtopia' brings laughter and song to TAMIU

A production of the off-Broadway hit, Jewtopia debuted at Texas A&M International University in the Sam Johnson Theatre and completed a three day run from April 9-11.
The play was produced by the TAMIU Theatre Troupe and directed by Sergio Moreno and Stephanie Ibarra. ‘Jewtopia' was originally written by Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson.
‘Jewtopia' follows the romantic lives of its two protagonists, Chris O'Connell played by Adrian Ramirez and Adam Lipchitz played by Homer Gonzalez. Supporting cast members include the illustrious Rabbi Schlomo played convincingly by Julio Garza, the stereotypical overbearing Jewish mother Marcy Cohen played by Venssa Prince. Other cast members include Arlene Lipschitz played by Ruth Gutierrez and Azeneth Treviño, Irving Lipschitz played by Sergio Moreno, Dennis Lipschitz played by Ricardo Guerrero, Jill Lipschitz played by Kassandra Rios, Rachel Kahn played by Anali Mena, Firetushy/Havva played by Chrystina Rubio, and Shaqattack/Roe Vs. Wade played by Vanessa Garcia.
Adam helps Chris become a full-fledged Jew after he becomes enamored with a Jewish girl named Alison Cohen, in exchange Chris introduces Adam to the magical world of ‘Jewtopia', an online dating site where he can meet "hot Jewish honeys".
However, things don't always go according to plan as Adam ends up resenting this website after having 150 terrible dates where he is both mauled by monkeys and stuck with expensive dating bills.
Filled with dozens of Jewish stereotypes, ‘Jewtopia' breaks these cultural impediments through humor and wit.
As the story progresses, it's message becomes that which embraces love and acceptance despite religion and ethnic barriers as exemplified by the eventual marriage of Rachel and Adam.
"The central theme of love embodies the lives of many people and things; love for who you are; love for others; love for what you do. The love expressed in ‘Jewtopia' seems to envelope the main characters who struggle to love themselves and their environment," described Moreno.
At the end of the play, cast and crew broke out in a Glee-esque moment of song as they performed a rendition of Queen's ‘Don't Stop Believing'.
The production itself was the result of the tremendous amounts of efforts by the cast, crew and its directors.
"I couldn't have been blessed with a better cast and crew to attempt this journey with. The play, ‘Jewtopia', and its actors, are the epitome of family and friendship," said Ibarra.
Crowds responded favorably to the production including music major Marissa Treviño who remarked over the humorous content of ‘Jewtopia'.
"You didn't have to be Jewish to get the play, so I liked it a lot."
Garza also spoke over what the play meant for him and his role in the production.
"I love the cast; we're one big family. Personally, I was lucky to be casted with these guys. It was my first time acting. I was just really lucky to be part of all this."
For more information on the TAMIU Theatre Troupe and its upcoming production, email them at TAMIUttroupe@gmail.com or visit their myspace page at myspace.com/TAMIUTheatreTroupe.

(Christine Rojas may be contacted at christine_r7@dusty.tamiu.edu)