Theatre Review: ‘Over the Tavern’ at Olney Theatre Center

Connor Aikin (Eddie Pazinski), Carol Schultz (Sister Clarissa), Noah Chiet (Rudy Pazinski) and Paul Morella (Chet Pazinski). Photo by Stan Barouh.

A Polish-Catholic family lives in Over the Tavern, a charming Olney Theatre Center production set in the fall of 1959 in Buffalo, New York. The play, written by Tom Dudzick, is reminiscent of Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memories and centers on 12 year-old Rudy Pazinski played by Noah Chiet.

Rudy is struggling with his approaching confirmation in the Catholic Church. He is also an Ed Sullivan-obsessed, smart-aleck teen, who challenges his teacher, Sister Clarissa (Carol Schultz), about everything having to do with Catechism. He proclaims, “God put us on earth to have fun.” As the story unfolds, Rudy learns there are over thirteen hundred religions in the world and “wants to shop around.” One of the funniest scenes is where Rudy has cut off his Mickey Mouse ears to fashion a makeshift yarmulke then asserts he is now a Jew. Noah delivers Rudy’s punch-lines with perfect comic timing, yet sometimes breaks the fourth wall by observing the audience’s response.

 …funny, delightful, and timeless

Ms. Schultz plays Sister Clarissa perfectly. She is the play-by-the-rules nun that is despised by the Catholic school students. Yet, in later years, students will probably discover she was a strong influence in their religious development, questioning the authority she represented, with a heart beneath her literal and metaphorical habit. Carol gives a sit-up-straight yet laugh-out-loud performance touching more than one generation of the Pazinski family.

Deborah Hazlett as Ellen Pazinski and Paul Morella as Chet Pazinski. Photo by Stan Barouh.

Rudy’s mother, Ellen Pazinski, played by Deborah Hazlett, is the highlight of the show. Her character is wise, understanding, and totally funny. There is a true connection with all her children as she takes on their growing pains. She willingly shares her wisdom and a bit of her insecurities, especially when she cracks open a beer; after all the family business is running a tavern. She both identifies and empathizes with her four children, guides them with a gentle hand, and has poignant moments with each. Her performance is a bit of Caroline Rhea (from Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Catherine O’Hara (of Home Alone), and Debra Jo Rupp (That ‘70s Show) rolled into one. Ellen is a very lovable character thanks to Deborah’s dazzling portrayal.

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