From Brooklyn to Boca: A Mob-ster Comedy That Struggles to Find Its Funny Bone.

January 11th, 2025

From Brooklyn to Boca is a production that has its heart in the right place but struggles to execute its vision effectively. While the second act shows signs of promise, the first act is so disjointed and underdeveloped that it risks losing the audience before the story has a chance to redeem itself. In fact, several attendees didn’t return after intermission—a telling sign of the show’s early struggles.

The play, co-written by Sharon Pfeiffer and Deni Sher, draws from Pfeiffer’s own experiences and follows an Italian Catholic mob family forced to transition into a Jewish family under the witness protection program. The premise is reminiscent of classic mob comedies like My Blue Heaven and Analyze This, but the execution lacks the polish and sharp comedic timing that made those films successful. The humor relies heavily on exaggerated stereotypes, and while there are a few genuinely funny moments, many jokes fail to land, leaving the audience wanting more.

Direction by Sharee Pemberton does little to smooth out the rough edges, and the production feels like it could have benefited from a workshop run before being staged for the public. Scene transitions are clunky, and the music choices feel out of place, adding to the overall disjointed feel of the show.

That said, as a passion project, From Brooklyn to Boca does have some redeeming qualities. The local ties to both Boca Raton and New York create a sense of familiarity for the audience, and there are glimpses of charm hidden within the script. However, the show would benefit greatly from a refined script, tighter pacing, and a more cohesive directorial approach.

For those who appreciate community-driven theater with a nostalgic premise, From Brooklyn to Boca might still offer a lighthearted escape. However, in its current state, it struggles to live up to its potential.