Playwright Richard Atkins’ comedy, The Men of Mah Jongg, playing at Theatre 40, is not simply a comedy, but is dotted with sadness as well as a great deal of humor. How else could the lives of four aging Jewish men, who are basically alone, find themselves at their weekly poker meeting as they reminisce about either the loss of a wife, a sick wife or losing a feminine companion?

Stu Levin - Jacob Witkin - Danny Goldman - Barry Gordon

But this is a ladies’ game and, their reactions are more that surprise; they will have no part in playing this game. Finally, they acquiesce, promising to keep it a secret (they don’t want anyone to know they’re playing this feminine game!). As they spend their once-a-week evenings together, they find themselves bonding more through their discussions about their lives, their aging, their losses and their human sensitivities, thus giving them hope for their futures.

Each man has a definite personality; Sid has not been able to come to terms with the loss of his wife, he doesn’t leave his house, doesn’t even get dressed when he gets up in the morning (perfectly portrayed by Jacob Witkin). His good friend Marvin brings him groceries, takes care of his laundry and does innumerable tasks for Sid while trying to get him out of his doldrums even though he has personal problems of his own. Stu Levin (a Carl Reiner look-alike) brings warmth and caring to this character. Harry is a bit different; he has something to look forward to since he is an actor and has gotten a part in an off, off, off Broadway play. Danny Goldman fits right into Harry’s persona. The liveliest of the four is Jerry who has a song for everything that happens, even for things that aren’t happening! He just loves to make up jingles, even if they all carry the same tune (delightfully played by Barry Gordon).

The co-directors of The Men of Mah Jongg, Bari Hochwald and Glenn Kelman, have molded these characters and this play into a charming story filled with pathos and humor. The charming set design (Sid’s apartment) is by Jeff Rack, lighting by Dan Reed. The beginning is somewhat slow, but that soon changes and you will find yourself really caring about these four men and what happens to them.

Performances: Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM, closing September 26th (There will be no performance Friday, September 17th, with an added performance, Sunday, September 26, at 7:00 PM)

Reservations: (310) 364-0535 or www.theatre40.org

Theatre 40

Reuben Cordova Theatre (Campus of Beverly Hills High School)

241 Moreno Drive

Beverly Hills, CA