From now to April 10, Brad Zimmerman returns to the Herberger Theater Center with his autobiographical hit New York comedy, “My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy.” This hilarious and poignant story about the journey to follow one’s dream and the parents who suffer through it is universal in its message. Zimmerman’s tale is about the grit and passion required to “make it” as an artist and the sweet rewards that come from never giving up!
In its seventh year of a national tour, “My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy” is the story of Zimmerman’s struggle to fulfill his dream of becoming a comedic actor in New York. One-part standup, one-part theatrical, and all parts uproarious, the show has garnered rave reviews wherever it has played.
“We’ve been all over the country – in cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Phoenix. It doesn’t matter where the show plays; audiences all seem to find my story authentic and real… and funny! Every year, there is new material and old material, and the positive audience response enables me to keep the show as fresh as the day I wrote it,” said Zimmerman.
Brad Zimmerman paid his dues on his quest to stardom. He spent 29 years “temporarily” waiting tables in New York, all the while chasing a career in acting and comedy. In “My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy,” he delves into the trials and tribulations of being a server, particularly for someone not exactly invested in the career and with little tolerance for persnickety diners. He also tells stories about the pursuit of his passion, along with tales about childhood, family, and his misbegotten love life. Combining his years of training as an actor with his innate comedic talent, the storytelling is executed with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm.
Zimmerman’s perseverance and hard work eventually paid off, and he went on to act. He had a small part in “The Sopranos” playing Johnny Sack’s lawyer, and he has been the opening act for several well-known entertainers, including George Carlin, Brad Garrett, Dennis Miller, Julio Iglesias, and Joan Rivers. According to Rivers, “I’ve had three great opening acts in my lifetime: Billy Crystal, Garry Shandling, and Brad Zimmerman.”
Zimmerman’s mother finally adapted to her ‘actor-waiter’ son’s career choice and financial situation. While other mothers may brag about their doctor or lawyer sons, she once boasted, “If all goes well, I think Brad is going to buy a bookcase.”
“So many fan letters and marriage proposals over the years,” Zimmerman says with a grin. “It’s amazing that I’m still very much single. But my mom in Boca became as proud as she could of me and the show, and of course, every time I visited, I got another 15 minutes of material!”
When: March 17 to April 10
Show times: Thursday 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 2:00 and 8:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm
Tickets: Prices range from $56.50 to $68.50
Where: Herberger Theatre Center 222 E Monroe St, Phoenix
Featured image courtesy of LeRoy Productions Inc.