Edgy Humor, Emotional Depth Infuse Cape Playhouse’s ‘Joan’

What a way to close out the summer season with a bang.

The Cape Playhouse opened the brand new play “Joan” last week. The production, which is executive produced by Joan Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, is rich with a perfect combination of emotional depth and edgy humor that is undoubtedly unique to the legendary comedian. 

This new play chronicles the legendary life and times of Joan Rivers, the stand-up comedian queen who broke all of the rules throughout her career. The production is written by playwright Daniel Goldstein and directed by Olivier-winning writer and director Tye Blue and runs through Sept. 20 at the iconic summer theater. “Joan” runs approximately one hour and 40 minutes without an intermission. 

 Joan Rivers was an icon. She was a trailblazer. In the world of stand-up comedy she was edgy, self-deprecating and fiercely unapologetic. She broke all of the rules in all the right ways, paving the path for women in a way no one had done before in the world of comedy. In her later career she was a savvy business woman, fashion maven, author, TV star and more. The show, while not chronological, does a magnificent  job of transporting the audience through the ages and phases of River’s personal life and career, from her girlhood growing up outside of New York City to her journey breaking every boundary as a rising comedian to the intricacies and heartbreak of her complex personal life. 

 “Joan” features a four-person cast who flawlessly tell the story of her life. Alex Finke plays the young Joan Rivers as well as her daughter Melissa. Finke has been seen in many Off Broadway and Broadway shows including “Come From Away” and “Les Miserables.” In the role of adult Joan Rivers and Mrs. Molinsky is Nicole Parker, who flawlessly pulls off Joan’s cadence and charisma with impressive precision. Parker has a vast history of Broadway, Off Broadway and podcast appearances. She was also a regular and contributing writer on Fox’s “Mad TV” and “Key and Peele.” Rounding out the small but mighty cast are Richard Topol as Edgar Rosenberg and Garrett Poladian as Jimmy Sanger.

There are raw emotional moments in “Joan” where you almost feel like it’s the real Joan up on stage, and there are moments you will literally laugh out loud. Bravo to Cape Playhouse Artistic Director Eric Rosen and the entire cast and crew of “Joan” for delivering this masterpiece to Cape Cod and for an unforgettable season. 

DETAILS
“Joan”

At the Cape Playhouse, Route 6A, Dennis

Through Sept. 20

Information and reservations: 508-385-3911, capeplayhouse.com