'sniper's' Shot Thorugh With Intensity

By PAUL GALLAGHER; Arts and Entertainment Editor
 Thursday, February 16, 1995 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 4C 





For their production of "Yaakobi and Leidental," the Northeastern Theatre
Ensemble has created a fairly nice cabaret atmosphere. Inside the theater at
the Scranton Cultural Center, tables draped in red cloth are gathered like
mushrooms on the floor; on their tops, they sport candles, plastic cups and
flavored waters. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Considering the show, the setting is perfect. A biography of the play's
Israeli author, Hanoch Levin, says that Levin spent his earlier career writing
satirical cabaret pieces. "Yaakobi and Leidental," says the bio, is among his
first full-length comedies. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It shows. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Though the play -- receiving its American premiere -- is packed with
talent, "Yaakobi and Leidental" is a narrow musical comedy which resembles
strung together cabaret pieces rather than one whole work. Like a visit to a
cabaret, "Yaakobi and Leidental," which was also translated into English by
Levin, may be a unique diversion, but there it ends. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Directed by David Crommett "and The Ensemble," the show features Zeve
Ben-Dov as Ittamar Yaacobi, Richard Mark Arnold as David Leidental and Leigh
Strimbeck as Ruth Shahash. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Musicians Joe Jurchak and Charlie X provide an excellent complement
throughout the show. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Roughly, the show is a fairly crude, sometimes humorous take on human
relationships: lust, love, controller and controlled. Its broad humor seems to
strive to greater insight than its satirical boundaries will permit, leaving
the show wanting for greater dimension. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 As it is, "Yaakobi and Leidental" is a bit like "Roseanne" meets "Waiting
for Godot." Yaakobi, Leidental and Shahash meet, use, abuse and repair their
various dysfunctional relationships. And despite quick pacing by the actors
and musicians, there is little variety within the show, once the momentum has
been established. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The show has its comparatively bright moments, such as when Yaacobi
literally sings the praises of ~farting, or when Leidental sings remorsefully
about what he views as his pathetic life. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Get the picture? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 * * * &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Yaacobi and Leidental," by Hanoch Levin. Scranton Cultural Center at the
Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Through Feb. 19. Showtimes:
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Performed by the Northeastern
Theatre Ensemble. 344-1111. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

`yaacobi' Presents Lives In A Cabaret