MIDDLE-AGED PEOPLE
IN THE MIDDLE EAST,
IN THE MIDDLE OF ADVENTURES

Jerry Herman’s early musical still charms

The Ensemble

Through the magic of musical theatre, we’re vicariously taking a guided tour through Israel in the early 1960s. On your left, a group of widows seeing the sights and setting their sights on finding—maybe (who knows?)—a husband. On your right, natives and transplants kibbitzing on a kibbutz. All around—watch your step—there’s a celebration of the anniversary of Israel becoming independent not too long ago (1948). And straight ahead, one couple’s bumpy road to second-chance romance (or is it a dead end?), accompanied by some wonderful songs, courtesy of Jerry Herman in the early part of his road to becoming a Broadway legend.

Kelly Lester, Neva Small, Eric Michael Gillett

J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has a knack for (and love of) bringing back to New York City worthy Broadway musicals that didn’t have the longest runs long ago—so they’re ripe for another look. And look what happens: entertainment galore, recommended reconsideration. Milk and Honey is tasting pretty sweet and musically nutritious, with its successful recipe of good material and good performances, aided by the skillful direction of Robert W. Schneider. It’s a well-mixed blend of comedy and carpe diem, reflections on love and lifestyles, priorities and positivity, family and friendships, loneliness and life. The musical’s book was written by Don Appell.

Kelly Lester and Neva Small

Grounded portrayals of characters, with spirited and heartfelt singing, make for an engaging night (or afternoon) of entertainment. Along with the milk and honey comes considerable food for thought if you identify with the longer-in-the-tooth characters who’ve been living the single life not too happily—and younger folks who are coupled and have their own struggles.

The Ensemble

In the sixth of his varied roles with the company, singing with nuance and his character’s open heart, Eric Michael Gillett is sympathetic and strong as male protagonist Phil, courting widow Ruth (Kelly Lester, in a calibrated performance showing hesitancy, shyness, and eventually daring and hurt). In early moments—where the script has them meet and connect romantically in truly telescoped time—he’s persuasive and persistent, she’s wary but wondering, and time is of the essence because both expect to leave Israel after a brief stay. But time and love (and powerful songs) can change the best-laid plans. Both have had lengthy, less-than-ideal marriages, so why not…? But the plot thickens: one of them has not been quite forthcoming about an important detail the other deserves to know—perhaps right off the bat, depending on your point of view. Alaina Mills is effective as his daughter (and, perhaps, his conscience), with two dynamic scenes where she blows up: once at him and once at her husband (Ari Axelrod, fine here and familiar from a York Theatre Company production), revealing her real feelings about being an American living in Israel and toiling with him on a farm.

Gael Schaefer, Neva Small, Susan J. Jacks

Much of the comedy comes from the widows touring Israel, kvetching and schlepping their way through desert and tourist spots. Gael Schaefer is delightfully dour as the worried and weary one, and Susan J. Jacks is on target as a comically carping lady who brightens when she spots a man (well—she can’t quite see him when she removes her glasses and nearly walks past him; the bit is a hoot). As Clara, the mother hen of the brood, the savvy Neva Small plays up the character’s schmooziness and pluck with charisma and moxie. (An interesting credit: she played one of the daughters in the film version of Fiddler on the Roof, and her mother was portrayed by Molly Picon—the original Clara in Broadway and other productions of Milk and Honey.) Miss Small is a delight onstage, raising eyebrows in surprise and her voice in spunky song, leading the ladies on tour and urging them forward because there could be a man around the corner (“Chin Up, Ladies”).

Kelly Lester, Neva Small, Eric Michael Gillett

Larry Toyter shines as a lively fellow reluctant to marry his partner but ultimately excited about impending fatherhood. Samantha Schiffman is feisty as his common-law wife, with uncommon zing in her bursts of temper. The ensemble works well in smaller roles, dancing (choreographed by Oren Korenblum, with leaps and swirls and appropriate ethnic flavorings in hand-clapping energy bursts) and providing attractive, supportive group singing on songs like the warm “Shalom” and a wedding sequence that caps the long first act. Adam B. Shapiro has some nice, understated moments as a surprise suitor late in the show. In the ensemble, Will Mosier stands out with robust energy and notable stage presence.

Eric Michael Gillett and Kelly Lester

Clara directly addressing her late husband as she finds herself wanting to marry again will remind theatre-goers of a similar moment in Jerry Herman’s next musical, Hello, Dolly!. Phil’s exultations about feeling rejuvenated, “Like a Young Man” (wonderfully sung by Mr. Gillett and the men), share a kinship with what the composer-lyricist would later create for the title characters of Mame and Mrs. Santa Claus (“That’s How Young I Feel” and “Almost Young,” respectively). And a couple of numbers about making the most of today—rather than risking regret—echo the spirit of “Kiss Her Now” in Dear World. The title song celebrating Israel, ending with the line “and this lovely land is mine,” may also bring to mind the title song of the film Exodus, released shortly before the musical premiered.

Jerry Herman’s songs and scores often offer romantic idealism alongside reminders of reality, with a life-affirming sensibility shining through. J2’s production of his first book musical certainly shines—and checks the boxes of reality checks, hope, and heart. Take heart and check it out.

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photos by Russ Rowland

Milk and Honey
J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company
AMT, 354 West 45th St
Thu-Sat at 7:30; Sun at 3; Sat at 2 (April 25)
ends on April 26, 2026
for tickets, visit J2 Spotlight

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