Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Celebrating a Decade of Laughter: "My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy" Returns to Lakewood Cultural Center

Get ready for an uproarious evening of comedy as "My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy" comes back to the Lakewood Cultural Center from August 3rd to 20th, 2023. This side-splitting one-person play, now in its 10th year of touring nationwide, shares the remarkable journey of actor/comedian Brad Zimmerman. Having spent almost three decades as a waiter while pursuing his acting dreams, Zimmerman's hilarious and heartfelt performance delves into the challenges he faced, along with the enduring support of his parents.

Blending standup comedy and theatrical storytelling, "My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy" has earned rave reviews from audiences across the country. The New York Times calls it "Delicious... great comedy!" while the Huffington Post exclaims, "You'll laugh your tuchas off!"

Zimmerman's tour has taken him from coast to coast, from iconic cities like New York City, Boston, and Chicago, to Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Phoenix, Toronto, and throughout Florida. The authenticity and humor in his story continue to resonate with audiences, who appreciate the fresh material Zimmerman brings to each performance while keeping the original stories that captivated them from the start.

During his 29-year stint as a waiter in New York, Zimmerman pursued his acting and comedy dreams, much to the concern of his parents. "My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy" explores the challenges he faced in the restaurant industry, from dealing with picky diners to sharing anecdotes about his passion and personal life. With warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and a touch of wicked charm, Zimmerman combines his acting training with his natural comedic talent to deliver an unforgettable performance.

Zimmerman's hard work and perseverance paid off as he eventually made his mark as an actor, appearing in "The Sopranos" and serving as the opening act for renowned entertainers like George Carlin, Brad Garrett, Dennis Miller, Julio Iglesias, and Joan Rivers, who praised him as one of her great opening acts.

Over the years, Zimmerman's mother grew to appreciate her son's unconventional career choice and financial situation. While other mothers might boast about their children becoming doctors or lawyers, she took pride in saying, "If all goes well, I think Brad is going to buy a bookcase."