The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentEventsThe LatestTheater

Review: A Tailor Near Me at The New Jersey Repertory Company

by Sydney Hargrove August 16, 2023
by Sydney Hargrove August 16, 2023 0 comments
1.6K

If you find yourself inside of Long Branch’s famous New Jersey Repertory Company this summer, you might just leave wondering whether knowing someone’s stance on the existence of the soul would render them your friend or not, thanks to the vivid imagination of playwright Michael Tucker.

The play, directed by the talented James Glossman, features a stellar cast including the accomplished actors Richard Kind and James Pickens Jr. The narrative unfolds around a relatable scenario—an individual visits a tailor to address the snug fit of his suit pants due to recent weight gain. Yet, what seems like a straightforward situation quickly transforms into a negotiation, leading to the creation of a bespoke suit and an unexpected journey of personal transformations.

In John Mulaney’s infamous for kids, by adults musical Netflix special John Mulaney and The Sack Lunch Bunch, we see Richard Kind sitting in a far too small chair at a campsite providing “girl talk” to some of the special’s young women. The 70-minute sack (no pun intended) of absurdity opens with the kids stating that they have so many guest stars, but then actually remembering that they only have one, which turns out to be the aforementioned star of Mad About You. The kids exclaim that the audience is about to see what’s on kid’s minds, since the guest star’s name is Richard Kind, thus leading into the hilarious Girl Talk with Richard Kind segment. 

The image of Kind giving girl-talk to the Sack Lunch Bunch kids (in which he ended most sentences with the phrase itself) combined with his laugh-out-loud roles on Big Mouth and American Dad are a stark contrast to his current role as Sam in Michael Tucker’s A Tailor Near Me, currently playing at the New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch. Though Kind’s iconic, booming voice would be recognized anywhere, the story he is telling on the Long Branch stage is a rather somber one.

Prior to first coming into contact with Kind’s Sam, James Picken’s JR. (Grey’s Anatomy’s Dr. Richard Webber) taps into the role of the rather complex Alfredo, inside of a basement tailor shop in New York City. When we meet the two men, Sam struggles behind the curtain of Alfredo’s fitting room, as he has been brought to the tailor shop due to outgrowing a suit. You know when you go to the doctor because you have a pain and when you get there the pain is gone?” He asks. “This is not going to be one of those times.”

It is soon revealed that Sam is going to a funeral for his closest friend, Robert. When Alfredo asks when the funeral is, he grimly replies that he isn’t sure, but it won’t be long now. The two men fall easily into a banter, especially when Sam is surprised to learn that Alfredo, who is from Argentina, is Jewish. This poses the question for both men, but mostly for Sam: what does being Jewish look like?

Alfredo comments that Sam himself does not look Jewish to him. “You’re too white,” he says. “My ancestors came over with Christopher Columbus -–the same year Queen Isabella threw all the Jews out of Spain.”

The play occurs in three parts, early Spring, three weeks later, and then two weeks after that. The men learn the in and outs of each other, with the conversation often shifting from a sharp, back-and-forth banter to a story told by one man while the other intently listens. The men quickly learn that they are more alike than different, possibly to their surprise.

Eventually, the conversation shifts to Robert, with Sam reveling in a grandiose story about the time that the pair skipped their college graduation to drive across the country to Los Angeles, in which they discussed cunning topics such as large breasts versus small breasts and the existence of the soul. In between the recollection of the trip and a rather long joke from Sam about a Jewish tailor, Sam reveals to Alfredo that he plans to spend two thousand dollars in Italy for a custom suit. Alfredo challenges that he can do it better, and for much cheaper, thus marking this visit the first of three that Sam would make to the tailor shop. 

The first visit ends on a rather heated note, with the pair arguing over Sam’s dismay for Alfredo’s unwillingness to tell jokes about his wife Couma. Sam grows agitated with Alfredo “putting his wife on a pedestal,” and Alfredo shuts the conversation down by telling Sam that it simply “isn’t for him.”

As the two men build a suit, and in turn a relationship, we begin to learn more about them, and we begin to see some of the prior stories unravel. On the third visit, after Robert has passed, an exasperated Sam reveals to Alfredo that he doesn’t seem to understand the nature of the relationship that the two of them had.

“I know that we were never easy with each other,” he says. “It was more like we wished we could be easy with each other. But we would never just hang out, you know? Sit around, shoot the shit. Unless I was asking him for advice or he was mentoring me in some way we never really had all that much to say to each other. Unless it was to proclaim to the world what old and great friends we were. We drove across the country in that Mustang fifty years ago to begin our lives as men. How many fucking times did we have to tell people that fucking story? Friends don’t have to do that.”

The revelation, while not entirely shocking, is a left turn as to the story that Sam had been previously establishing. As the play goes on, we see him try and pick up the pieces of what he knows about relationships, and in turn, asks Alfredo and Couma to have dinner with him and his wife Janet, but he vehemently declines. 

Kind and Pickens JR. deliver stunning performances and director James Glossman creates an environment that will make any viewer feel as if they are in the tailor shop, watching from a nearby chair. 

Tucker, not only a playwright but also an actor and author, is no stranger to the stage. Having debuted his first play, “The M Spot,” at NJ Rep, followed by “Fern Hill,” Tucker has now returned to present “A Tailor Near Me.” His extensive experience in the arts, spanning over five decades, has provided him with a deep understanding of the nuances of storytelling and character development.

In a recent interview with BroadwayWorld, Tucker opened up about his journey and the inspiration behind his latest work. He emphasized the significance of self-belief and the power of talent in navigating the challenges of an artistic career. Tucker’s insights resonate with aspiring artists and creatives, reminding them that confidence in their abilities is the cornerstone of success in the demanding world of the arts.

A Tailor Near Me finds its home at NJ Rep, a company dedicated to producing new plays for more than a quarter-century. Tucker’s affiliation with NJ Rep goes beyond a professional relationship; it’s a creative haven that has nurtured his work and allowed him to bring thought-provoking narratives to life. His admiration for the theater company is evident, praising its audience for their open-mindedness and the company itself as the “Little Engine That Could.”

A Tailor Near Me is playing at The New Jersey Repertory Company until August 27th. Purchase tickets here!

0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Sydney Hargrove

Sydney Hargrove is a current Media Studies student at Hunter College. A New York City native currently living in the Upper East Side, she got her start in the journalism field through social media management and has explored the world of on camera hosting and on the scene reporting since then.

previous post
Rellz Talks ‘Best Kept Secret’ and Working With Beyoncé
next post
Great Scott! Back To The Future The Musical Review (A Very Futuristic Production)

Related Posts

Celebrating Storytellers: The Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala

October 26, 2025

She Rocks: Women Redefining Power and Purpose in...

October 26, 2025

Andy Cohen Toasts a Decade of Radio with...

October 26, 2025

Sulfur Bottom: A Haunting Exploration of Pollution, Poverty,...

October 26, 2025

Dom Pérignon Unveils the Murakami Flower Studio in...

October 25, 2025

Brooklyn Gets a Glow-Up with Desolas Mezcal’s Reposado...

October 24, 2025

Emerald Dreams: Celebrating Wicked in New York

October 24, 2025

Discover Park Rose: The New Jewel of Park...

October 24, 2025

Spooky Streets and Autumn Eats: Celebrate Halloween in...

October 24, 2025

Back to Derry | HBO’s IT Prequel Delivers...

October 24, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch