Judy Gold's 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother

by Natalie Hope McDonald

THEATER

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

She's tall enough to play in the WNBA. She's kosher. And she's gay.

There's only a few days left to see Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Judy Gold's one-woman show, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, inspired by the antics of the comedian's 86-year-old mother, as well as her own experiences being a lesbian mom of two. Gold, a former writer for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, along with playwright Kate Moira Ryan, also interviewed more than 50 Jewish women around the country to find out what exactly it means to be a Jewish mama. "I often get ridiculed by the Jewish press for promoting a stereotype," says Gold. "We wanted to go out and see if the stereotype is real."

Known for her hilarious takes on same-sex relationships, gay parenting and wearing size 12 shoes, Gold strikes up a compelling conversation about social realities and startling stereotypes related to being gay, Jewish, a parent — you name it — in this smart show directed by Karen Kohlhaas. "You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate the show," says Gold. "It's really about families."

So does Gold ever end up sounding like the subject of her standup? "Never," says the comedian, who eventually admits, "Every second! Everything that comes out of my mouth sounds like my mother!"

25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, Thu.-Fri., Dec. 18-19, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 20, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 21, 3 p.m.; $49, Philadelphia Theatre Company at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., 215-985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.com.