Crying Laughing

Winnie Friedman, 15, retired from performing after a disastrous stand-up comedy attempt at her bat mitzvah. But after a flirtatious encounter with junior Evan Miller, “the funniest guy in school,” and encouragement from her best friends, identical twin sisters, Leili and Asmaa Kazemi, who are Muslim, Win decides to join Manatawkin High School’s improv group. Initially uncomfortable, she finds her comedic footing using several bits she’s worked out with her father Russ, a former stand-up comedian/actor who gave it all up to raise Win. But when Russ reveals to Win that the clumsiness he’s been exhibiting is likely to be ALS, her life spins out of control. As Evan’s flirtation turns into something more serious, Leili withdraws, causing Win even more confusion. Rubin (Denton Little’s Death Date) again handles mortality with a light touch and humor, realistically capturing a father-daughter relationship in the face of a serious illness. Charming, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-affirming, Rubin captures Winnie’s verve and heart with honesty and wit. Ages 12–up. [em]Agent: Mollie Glick, CAA. (Nov.) [/em]