The Bespoke Overcoat Reviews
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...Sometimes friends or even co-workers can become more like family than your relatives. Such is the case in Wolf Mankowitz’s The Bespoke Overcoat, inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s famous short story “The Overcoat“ about a long-suffering, poor warehouse clerk who seeks to obtain a new overcoat. After the play opened in London in 1953, Mankowitz adapted it into a film that won the Oscar for Best Short Subject in 1957."
LA Splash- Highly Recommended
"...Based on a 1953 play by Wolf Mankowitz, a prolific and successful dramatist, novelist, and screenwriter, THE BESPOKE OVERCOAT was adapted from a short story by Nicolai Gogol called “The Overcoat.” In 1956, the play morphed into a British film which won the Oscar in 1957 for best short subject. While Gogol’s version took place in Russia, later adaptations moved the action to the East End of London. THE BESPOKE OVERCOAT has intermittently but rarely been brought to U.S. stages, but that changed in 2024. Produced and directed by Marilyn Fox and Dana Jackson, the Pacific Resident Theatre proudly presents THE BESPOKE OVERCOAT to American audiences."
Stage Raw- Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite some sluggish pacing (direction by Marilyn Fox and Dana Jackson), Herman and Lesser are charming as they portray the loving friendship of Jewish elders. And the story is enhanced by a well-designed set (Rich Rose) that felt authentic as a 1950s tailor shop center stage and an apparel warehouse stage right. Also noteworthy is the use of music (sound design by Chris Moscatiello) that evoked Jewish culture."
Glamgical- Highly Recommended
"...Directors Marilyn Fox and Dana Jackson recreate in great detail the grittiness and scarcity of the living conditions portrayed in the script. The extraordinary acting also projects the simplicity of the story, but also the depth of the characters. Herman is excellent as Fender. He explores poignantly the misery and the humble dreams of an old man at the twilight of his life, suffering the indignities of the working class. Lesser as Morry is exceptional as well, capturing the friendship and the regrets represented in his character."
Broadway World- Highly Recommended
"...The Bespoke Overcoat is a fable-like classic play at the award-winning Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice running through April 14th. Haunting, lyrical, lovely, and surprisingly funny, this humanist drama of magical realism by playwright, novelist, and screenwriter Wolf Mankowitz is a must-see."