Editor’s note: Due to precautions against the spread of COVID-19 announced by Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, the performances of “From Brooklyn to Broadway in Only 50 Years!” have been postponed to Saturday, May 16 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.invisibletheatre.com.
Invisible Theatre will present Steve Solomon’s one-man show, “From Brooklyn to Broadway in Only 50 Years!” for two performances at the Berger Performing Arts Center on March 14 and 15.
Solomon is the author and star of one of the longest running one-man comedies in Broadway history, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy.”
A native of Brooklyn, Solomon grew up in the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay, the perfect training ground for a dialectician and comedian. He learned at an early age how to use his gift for mimicry to his advantage. Solomon remembers the day he played “hooky” from school. Back then, the truant officer would call each parent to verify that their child was home. Solomon, using a rough growly voice, took the initiative and called the school. He asked for the truant officer’s office. The officer answered, “Can I help you?” Solomon, using as deep a voice as he could muster said, “Yes, Steve won’t be able to come into school today, he’s sick.” The truant officer said, “And who am I talking to?” Solomon cleared his throat and answered, “Um, this is my father speaking!”
Before following his comedic calling, motivated by his mother’s wish that he have a “real” career, Solomon was a physics teacher and eventually an assistant superintendent of schools on Long Island, New York. Tiring of the bureaucracy of the academic world, he ventured into the business world and ended up with his back against the wall. As he puts it, “I decided to follow my heart and become an impoverished comedy writer and performer.” Learning that the comedy club circuit was no place to start at age 55, he created “My Mother’s Italian,” which garnered rave reviews and sold out crowds. He wrote four sequels: “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Still in Therapy,” “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Home for the Holidays,” “The Battle of the Broadway Comedians,” and “Cannoli, Latkes & Guilt! The Therapy Continues …”
Invisible Theatre has hosted three of his shows, the original “My Mother’s Italian,” “Home for the Holidays,” and “Cannoli, Latkes & Guilt.”
“Steve Solomon is a mensch in every way,” says Susan Claassen, IT artistic managing director. “Not only is Steve a comic genius, he is one of the nicest and most generous performers ever. Every character and situation he creates is hilarious. Sid Caesar said, “Comedy has to be based on truth. You take the truth and you put a little curlicue at the end.” Steve Solomon is a master of the curlicue!”
Solomon will perform “From Brooklyn to Broadway” Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. at The Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. For tickets, $45, call
882-9721 or visit www.invisibletheatre.com. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, active military, and students.
