Uncle Philip's Coat   is a tale that spans continents and generations as it touches on the terror of the pogroms in old Russia, the unsettling rite of immigration through Ellis Island, the hardships of life in a new land, the disappointments of marriage and the bitter relationships of brother and brother and father and son.

The catalyst is a tattered Old World coat, with fur collar, trailing lining and threads, and unpleasant odors, but most importantly, rich memories and symbolic of survival and uncelebrated excellence. Funny, insightful and often touching. (Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times review from a performance at the American Jewish Theater in NYC)

Clive Barnes in the New York Post said "a remarkable and virtuosic one-man, one-act play... luftmensch Uncle Philip survived a pogrom to emigrate to the USA and become a 'boardwalk brassier peddler' on Coney Island." (Performed at the Jewish Theatre of New England)

Jewish humor, like all ethnic humor is about survival. Dreams lost and found again in unexpected places. (Ned Bobkoff reviewing a performance at the JCC, Rochester, NY)

Other performances included the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NYC, Theatre J in Washington D.C., the Levanthal-Sidman JCC in Boston, the Morris & Rae Frank Theatre at Zaban Park, Dunwoody, GA.

After this successful run in the late 90's starring Larry Block, "Uncle Philip's Coat has been revived. Harlan Tuckman, who has a long history in New York and regional theater and most recently, on tour with "Friend's" his two person comedy that played in both New Jersey and Florida, portrays Larry, the dreamer, his father Mickey as well as Uncle Philip and a myriad of lesser characters. For his performance in the Off Broadway production of "Find Me a Voice," Lawrence Van Gelder in his New York Times review singled him out for a "superior performance in a variety of roles." He is also a resident member of NJRep, a professional company and a member of the League of New Jersey Theatres.

"Uncle Philip's Coat" does have universal appeal and it plays exceptionally well to all audiences. Old and young alike have surely heard family stories that they can relate to from this play. A DVD was performed during a dress rehearsal and is available. You will see how simple it is to stage the play as it is performed on a bare stage with just a few set pieces that we provide. The scenery is the "coat."

Matty Selman is the author of "Uncle Philip's Coat," which was selected as a Herbert Berghof Memorial Play and is included in the permanent collection of the National Foundation for Jewish Culture.

If you can see "Uncle Philip's Coat" as an exciting addition to your season's schedule, please click to email <%=FormMailLink("hatuck@verizon.net")%> and we will send you the DVD and additional material.

Harlan Tuckman