at the Beverly Hills Playhouse
Leaning heavily on his upbringing as a Greek boy whose father owned a restaurant in Chicago, Greg Lewis conjures up larger-than-life family members who, no doubt, provided the fodder for his success as a character actor. In this one-person show, Lewis begins with a few mildly humorous anecdotes, and for a while it seems as though his performance will be like many others: self-focused and a recitation of his life experiences. But then, as he warms to his audience and relaxes a bit more, the stories become less one-liners and more about capturing the essence of his parents' influence, particularly his father's.
The uncredited set is simple: a chair flanked by a large portrait of his father on one side and a family photo on the other. Mimicry of his mother and father paints an affectionate portrait of life in a Chicago immigrant neighborhood. Lewis also claims that years of visits to psychiatrists can be laid to rest at their feet. With good humor he recounts his years of traveling with Jerry Murad's Harmonicats, beginning at age 15. With several harmonicas, he uses "The Flight of the Bumblebee" to prove his continued expertise on the tiniest of them. He also recounts the years as a top club act with his longtime friend Gus Christy. Calling themselves the Mad Greeks, they played hotels and nightclubs and frequently appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. Lewis' impersonation of Sullivan is a standout, even among many amusing recollections of Lewis' days in vaudeville.
Director Robert Walden keeps the action simple, allowing the text to carry the show. Toward the end of the performance, the lights dim and Lewis speaks through his father's persona. It is affecting to him, as well as the audience. His long years of entertaining in television and film have given him great presence. The evening is a lively interlude of wit, warmth, and insight.
Presented by Camelot Artists at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Aug. 11-Sep. 9. (310) 358-9936. www.camelotartists.com.
Reviewed by Melinda Schupmann