Bob Booker’s Musical-Sketch Comedy Revived – You Don’t Have To Be Jewish

The iconic album turned stage show, You Don’t Have To Be Jewish, makes its Australian premiere at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre this October. 

Created by Grammy-award winning broadcaster, Bob Booker, the new revival will feature an all star cast and be directed by playwright, Ruth Fingret.  

Originally released in 1965 as a collection of sketches and songs, Booker is thrilled a production of the show will hit Australia for the first-time. 

“I loved Australia every time I visited. My daughter worked there after school and had an apartment two blocks from Bondi Beach,” said Booker.

Now “91-years young,” Booker says the album has sustained popularity today because “funny is funny.”

“It was the heart and soul that other humour does not necessarily have, because the people behind it have the heart and soul, and the gift of humour,” Booker continued.

Known for his satirical comedy, Booker’s first hit The First Family which won the Grammy for Album Of The Year in 1962. Shortly after, Booker sparked the idea for You Don’t Have To Be Jewish after a lunch with legendary Jewish comedians, including Zero Mostel who featured on the album.

With its popularity, stage productions of the album have travelled across the United States and were recently shown in Los Angeles and Miami (directed by Jason Alexander).

Bringing the Sydney production together, Fingret excitement for the show comes with her personal upbring with the album.

“I grew up with the albums in the background… My father played it to us over and over,” said Fingret. “Some of the jokes have sunk into popular culture.”

Bondi Theatre Company producer and theatrical agent David Spicer says he is continually surprised by the wide recognition for these sketches – well beyond the Jewish community.

“When it was staged in the US, members of the audience were known to call out the punchlines,

so we might need to ask patrons to “stay schtum” (keep quiet), when making the usual mobile phone warning before each performance!” he said.

Bondi Theatre Company producer and agent, David Spicer, explained the international impact of the sketches which has expanded beyond the Jewish Community. 

“When it was staged in the US, members of the audience were known to call out the punchlines,” says Spicer. “So we might need to ask patrons to “stay schtum” (keep quiet), when making the usual mobile phone warning before each performance!” 

This is the return of the theatre company after a three year break, and will bring the show to the newly renovated Bondi Pavilion Theatre. Ten shows will be playing at the theatre between October 25 until November 5. 

With their all star cast expected to be announced soon, make sure to check out You Don’t Have To Be Jewish this Spring.

October 25 – November 5

Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach  

 www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au