The Other Josh Cohen
About the show
David Rossmer and Steve Rosen play the hapless-yet-warmhearted title character – one eventful year apart – in their musical romantic comedy about courageously owning the hand life deals you, and making your own luck. More…
Josh Cohen just can’t get a break. He’s single, broke, and to top it all off, his apartment’s been robbed of everything but a Neil Diamond CD. Soon, though, his luck takes a turn when a mysterious envelope arrives that changes his life forever.
“Small in scope, big in heart, ‘Josh Cohen’ is a name that you won’t soon forget...A supporting cast of stellar comedic actors provide an adorably twisty backstory...The current production benefits from the addition of Hunter Foster’s excellent direction. He has made powerful moments more poignant through subtle actions, and added entertaining, clever choices to its delivery...It would be extraordinarily difficult to dislike ‘Josh Cohen’...The best show audiences will have seen in years.” Full Review
“The show's story of sad sack Josh Cohen, a hilarious modern-day Job, has returned...and it feels as fresh and relevant as ever...With its cartoonish brand of comedy and zippy performances from the cast, ‘The Other Josh Cohen’ is the deliriously fun musical we all need right now...With terrific performances, a quirky story, and memorable songs, ‘The Other Josh Cohen’ is a fun ride that delivers a few good messages along with its feel-good vibe.” Full Review
"An irresistible laugh-out-loud rock-musical rom-com with a positive message that will leave you exiting the theater with the biggest of smiles on your face. I know I did...The smart writing, infectious humor, and sweet underlying heart are flawlessly delivered by the pair of thoroughly engaging stars and an across-the-board terrific live on-stage band that doubles as the zany supporting cast." Full Review
"A labor of love from the true friendship and life experiences of Steve Rosen and David Rossmer...The score, written by Mr. Rossmer and Mr. Rosen, contains some very clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Having all the actors double up on instruments makes it even better...The show is fun, lively and kept a smile on my face the whole time...This is quite an undertaking and deserves to be seen and experienced...A remarkable night of theatre." Full Review
"Cleverly written by Rossmer and Rosen, 'The Other Josh Cohen' is a light and lively diversion that’s probably going to keep a smile on your face for its 95-minute entirety. Unpretentious in its style and scope, the musical brightly bounces along from one upbeat song to another...Meeting 'The Other Josh Cohen' won’t change your life, but this certainly will give you a dandy time, enhanced by the deceptively casual excellence of the off-Broadway production as nicely staged by Foster." Full Review
"The humorous, witty, superlatively clever production...With a versatile cast portraying many roles and Hunter Foster consummately directing, the show smashes audience funny bones with brio, and thankfully, what a pleasurable way to go!...Foster manages to stage this musical with an economy that boggles the imagination, and he makes these characters transcend time, place, and space with shimmering brilliance." Full Review
"Proof that life is a comedy of tragedies. You have to laugh at its madness in order not to cry, and you also have to ponder at it so as to see its strange balance. With each song, the musical shows that life has a way of resetting its scales; as if every bumpy road leads to a smooth one. Hence, musically, every song flows into to other like an exuberant plot point...Every song is hilariously poignant, and backed by a phenomenal cast of actors/musicians that can do everything." Full Review
"If the songs never quite develop a signature sound, except for a few that aptly invoke Neil Diamond, they make up for it in their off-center point of view...The style recalls that of musicals like '[title of show]' and 'Spelling Bee,' with their apparently spontaneous digressions into the odd and outré...'The Other Josh Cohen' is a charmer, touching on real issues without pummeling them. It doesn’t need to push harder or further; in knowing itself, it has already found its beshert." Full Review
“Wetherhead is a standout as are the two Josh's, who are also the the composer, lyricist and book writers. For that matter the whole cast is a well rounded troupe of chameleons. Hunter Foster’s hones this piece in and gives it a delightful spin on a story many of us have gone through, minus the check. Though scrappy and tongue in check you will find yourself chuckling more than once.” Full Review
"This little musical that manages to combine a big heart, fun, and laughter and a message has journeyed to many stages...It's light but not too light to have something meaningful and hopeful to say...Much of the fun comes from the verve with which Rossmar and Rosen's musician/actors play all those people in the Josh saga. That includes Josh's family who are hilariously brought to life..If you go, and I think you should, plan to get there a bit early." Full Review
“Cheery revival...The show not only explores the limits of otherness, it literally runs on it...The multi-talented supporting ensemble is led by the very funny Wetherhead...Portraying various mean girlfriends and kind hearted Jewish mothers. Louis Tucci, when not busy on bass guitar, is both Josh’s landlord and his father. Darnell, Elless, and Nestlerode all turn in fine performances in sporadic appearances." Full Review
"The potential for irritation is high, but in keeping the musical’s complaining, mulling, and resolving to a brisk 90 minutes and by keeping its charm and 11 songs witty and sunny, 'The Other Josh Cohen' succeeds with a humble and open-hearted modesty. The musical, directed with a ditzy energy by Hunter Foster, won’t shake up your world. It doesn’t reinvent musical theatre either. But it’s a lark and a polished lark at that." Full Review
"I can’t believe I have fallen for a schlub with a cheesy mustache and a Star Wars shower curtain. But, hey, I’m not the only one who’s succumbed to the silly charm of 'The Other Josh Cohen'...Luke Darnell, Hannah Elless, Elizabeth Nestlerode, Louis Tucci, Kate Wetherhead play all the supporting roles...Between lickety-split wig and costume changes, they also play just about every instrument you can imagine. They deserve all the Valentine’s Day candy." Full Review
“This perky, hopeful new musical with catchy tunes makes even this critic-grouch optimistic...With melodic songs, quirky charms, and a gee-whiz sweetness, it’s an appealing small-scale musical with delightful performances from its seven-member cast...While the material can be hokey at times, so can its inspiration: Neil Diamond. The musical is utterly aware of this. The winks, nudges, and sequins are part of it.” Full Review
"A sweet and winning musical comedy...'The Other Josh Cohen' bounces from song to song with high energy and infectious humor. The very able cast plays multiple roles as well as their own instruments, and the costume and wig designers do great work. One of the show’s greatest virtues is its modesty; it’s not a theatrical groundbreaker but uses its small scale to great advantage to deliver an enjoyable and funny 90 minutes." Full Review
“’The Other Josh Cohen’ isn't just high concept, it's all concept...The songs are mostly agreeable time-fillers...Anyone looking for an undemanding hour and a half of Seinfeldian shtick, even if some of it has crept by its sell-by date, will probably get his or her money's worth. It's a fast, funny evening, but don't be surprised if, the next morning, you don't remember what you did the night before.” Full Review
"The musical has an interesting book and relatable lyrics; however, the music seems very much the same except for a couple of numbers which thankfully vary in tempo and style. Director Hunter Foster moves the action along at breakneck speed despite some scenes seeming overlong and overwrought...The musical’s themes of the need to 'Hang On' and to embrace change are important and always timely. It just takes a bit too long to get to that resolution." Full Review
“Mildly entertaining...Yet somehow, the humor in ‘The Other Josh Cohen’ often feels cliché and dated...Rosen and Rossmer have glorious chemistry onstage. Real-life childhood friends, it is easy to tell that they are basking in the glory of the show’s success...Talented cast. Not only are they gifted with comedic timing, but they also work a double shift, serving as the onstage band. Musically, there is some catchy material.” Full Review
for a previous production “A funnier-than-fiction, 90-minute-long musical comedy...Under the direction of Foster, sentimentality reigns, the music is catchy, songs are relatable, and laughs are plentiful in a seamless and well-conceived production that guarantees you will leave the show wearing your happy face...They never missed a beat, and their high energy was palpable...they cut through the material at high speed, using pantomime to fill in the blanks or give punchlines the occasional steroid boost." Full Review
for a previous production “90 minutes of high-speed plot development, witty banter, more than 10 finger-snapping tunes, and a seriously multi-talented ensemble. The musician-actors play every song live and the instruments woven into the plot feel like the musical ‘Once,’ if it had the cultural humor of ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’...The ensemble.not only nails the comedic genre, but also plays an instrument (or three) throughout the show...Sharp comedy and a profoundly talented cast.” Full Review
See it if A highly compelling kaleidoscope of mega talents on instruments, staging, singing, poignant script and creativity
Don't see it if It is Impossible to try to imagine someone not being able to relate to this imaginative show on some level since it hits all the senses
See it if you will love how funny and really good this show is. cast is great, fun show to watch must see more then one time
Don't see it if if you don't like a small theater or live acting.
See it if You want to laugh at others misery. You like to have fun watching everyone play different roles. Also small intimate theater.
Don't see it if You don't like off-Broadway shows. You don't like to laugh. You take life to serious.
See it if Very talented group of actors/musicians/singers. The music scores were cleaver and funny; The story is also cleaver
Don't see it if You look forward to an intermission.. there isn't one, if you don't like Neil diamond, or if you don't appreciate actors that a talented
See it if you are looking for a fun show to see when you have some time. This show is a lot of fun and i 100% recommend it. Anyone would enjoy it.
Don't see it if I don’t think there is a reason not to see it!
See it if you like a good story with songs that advance the plot and a dynamite ending; you love it when the actors are also the musicians;
Don't see it if you have a Bah! Humbug! personality; you don't like musicals at all
See it if It was very entertaining with a good story line which was easy to follow. I also liked the fact that some performers played instuments.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals.
See it if If you want to have a fun time
Don't see it if Maybe you don't want to distinguish good from bad
See it if You want to leave the theater in a good mood. The less you know about this show going in the better.
Don't see it if Traditional musicals are all you want to see.
See it if If you like original writing with a Jewish slant, lots of laughs , amazing impersonations of Neil Diamond and brilliant singing and dancing
Don't see it if If you don’t like laughing or original fresh writing and require a more central location for a theater ! No criticisms of this one.
Also Love the show
See it if you want to be entertained a great way to spend an afternoon totally entertaining
Don't see it if dont like quirky little shows
See it if Humorous case of Murphys law with a heartwarming twist. Unique and tmely. Odd yet believable. Great music.
Don't see it if The story is told with singing and music..
See it if You love musicals. Original smart show. Steve Rosen wonderful. Costumes & characters & staging good. Twists & turns. Sad & funny & happy.
Don't see it if You don’t like loud music. That is probably the only negative so if you can overcome that, you will enjoy.
See it if you want to have a great time, love shows with a lot of heart, you like intimate settings, catchy songs and clever plots
Don't see it if you don't like shows that are campy, small theatres, simple sets, or actors playing multiple characters
Also Saw this show Feb 3. It's 90 min with no intermission... Read more Read less
See it if you want to really enjoy an evening at the theater where you smile and laugh from the beginning to the end of the show.
Don't see it if you view going to the theater as more of an opportunity for a highbrow cultural experience than a really fun evening.
See it if You want to laugh and be entertained by this wonderful, corny show! I found it predictable, but loved every minute of it!
Don't see it if you are looking for profound, thought provoking theater. This is a light hearted, feel-good comedy.
See it if you yearn for a character whose journey you care about, in a modern setting, with good energy and touching message. I was so happy!
Don't see it if you don't like romantic comedies, surprise endings, delightful, relatable characters, being in a theatre full of satisfied and happy people.
See it if you love original musicals that are clever and will leave you feeling better about the world.
Don't see it if you like your musicals big and splashy. This is an intimate show in a nice space.
See it if You like Neil Diamond, pop culture references, relatable scenarios, a very sing-able soundtrack, and simple lighthearted themes
Don't see it if You don't like very small musicals, or are looking for something with more complex and deep themes/plots
See it if you enjoy a truly refreshing new musical score...and imaginative story, with the hardest working Cast off-Broadway!
Don't see it if you don't treasure an truly original new Musical!
See it if .. you love a clever script and very funny lines. ..you appreciate very talented performers who can play multiple roles and many instruments
Don't see it if ..you want a big splashy Broadway musical.
Also The music was very good, but everything else about the show was wonder... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy performers who are also musicians and singers all at the same time! Looking for a Fun-time musical entertainment
Don't see it if You don't like performers who are also the musicians and who are also the singers, and don't like silly but fun story line
Cast & Creatives (15)
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