“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and The Therapy Continues” Returns to the Valley

The time of year when families get together for reunions, dinners and parties also means the funniest family dysfunction around. From Dec. 29, 2021 to Jan. 30, 2022, comedian Peter Fogel returns to the Herberger Theater Center to star in “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues.” Directed by Andrew Rogow, this hilarious one-man show follows Fogel’s struggles to get home for a family gathering. While trapped in the airport, he navigates the craziness and bureaucracy of handling hysterical phone calls from his family.

Created by Steve Solomon, the comedy chaos continues in this critically acclaimed sequel to the longest running one-man comedy show in history, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy.” In a wonderfully funny performance, Fogel tells stories about family get-togethers, which includes therapy-inducing dinner at Grandma’s. In this not-so-happy gathering, those under the age of 55 are still relegated to the kids table, and more than 30 over-fed guests share one bathroom and no plunger. Fogel brings to life Uncle Willie, stuttering Cousin Bob, demented Cousin Kenny, Steve’s new therapist, Cousin Sal (and Sal’s parole officer), and a myriad of astounding characters relatable to our own families. In this show, he also tackles his adolescence, mixed marriage, ex-wives, dogs, cats, dieting and dozens of other uproarious and endlessly relatable situations. Each is performed with dialects and wacky sound effects that only add to the hilarity of each story.

“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues,” runs from December 29 to January 30. Show times are Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 2 and 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $56.50 to $68.50. The New Year’s Eve performance is $69.50 to $77.50. Tickets are available at the Herberger Theater Box Office, (602) 252-8497 or www.herbergertheater.org. For group sales, call 1-888-264-1788.

The Herberger Theater Center is located at 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85004. For more information about “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues,” visit www.playhouseinfo.com.