News
recent: Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound at the new jewish theatre
Directed by Alan Knoll
Jacob recently played Eugene Jerome in Neil Simon’s final play in the Brighton Beach trilogy, BROADWAY BOUND. This was the third time Jacob has played a character based on the late great playwright, earning him a feature in the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Previously: Neil Simon’s LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd Floor
By Neil Simon
Directed by Eddie Coffield
Jacob recently played Lucas Brickman in Laughter on the 23rd Floor at New Jewish Theatre in St. Louis, MO. Inspired by the playwright’s youthful experience as a staff writer on Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows,” this Neil Simon favorite depicts the harried writing staff as they frantically scramble to top each other with gags while competing for the attention of star madman, Max Prince. Filled with nostalgia, classic Catskills humor and colorful characters, Laughter on the 23rd Floor is bound to have you… well… laughing.
NOW STREAMING: KIBBUTZ
Kibbutz (2021) is a short film directed by Oscar Pavlove. Jacob plays Elliot, in a story about Elliot and his twin sister. Now streaming on Vimeo.
PREVIOUSLY: Admissions at Capital Stage
Jacob previously played Charlie in Capital Stage’s production of Admissions by Joshua Harmon.
St. Louis Theater Circle Awards
Jacob was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy for his performance as Eugene in Brighton Beach Memoirs at New Jewish Theatre in St. Louis, MO.
Reviews
As Lucas in laughter on the 23rd floor
”And then there’s Jacob Flekier as Lucas Brickman, our narrator and the newest writer in the room. Flekier has an open, friendly demeanor and a natural sense of rhythm that draws you into the story, even as his character is still trying to find his place. He introduces the other writers with a mix of awe and affection that’s palpable, and a guileless likeability that’s instantly endearing. He’s a talented writer and gets his one-liners in too, though, don’t worry.”
- Tina farmer, kdhx St. Louis
“Lucas, the very young writer who cannot believe that he has lucked into the best job he can imagine, [is] working with some of the best people he’s ever going to know. Lucas stands in for Simon himself.
This is obviously comfortable territory for Jacob Flekier, who last appeared at NJT as a still-younger version of Simon in “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” He is our guide through the mischugas that, to his and our enduring astonishment, miraculously creates the original must-see TV every week. No wonder Flekier beams like a lightbulb from the inside-out. It’s a privilege to write there, and he knows it.”
- Judith newmark, stl jewish light
“Flekier makes for a likable, relatable focus character, narrating the proceedings and being an effective “tour guide” to this world and these characters.”
- Michelle Kenyon, Snoop’s Theatre Thoughts
As Charlie in Admissions
“All domestic hell breaks loose in the three person home of Charlie, the deferred student, who shares his disappointment and anger in a blistering rant before his parents that addresses reverse racism, gender discrimination and every other perceived injustice that comes to the young man’s mind. That speech goes on for 15 minutes or more, and it’s the sort of thrilling performance piece that actors dream of, including (I assume) the very talented Jacob Flekier, who nailed it without a misstep.”
- Chris Narloch, outworld magazine
As Eugene in Brighton Beach Memoirs
“Jacob Flekier is outstanding as the young Eugene, and both his confidence and comic timing are perfectly suited for the witty and glib dialogue. Frequent, and often laugh out loud funny, asides to the audience combined with a tendency towards confessional over sharing, help Eugene to quickly endear himself to the audience. Flekier delivers the almost constant narration with a warm, open delivery that’s endearing; he and director Knoll keep the tone from becoming either jaded or cutesy. And, though there’s not a wide range of emotion required in the script, Flekier finds varying levels of humor, hormonally influenced curiosity and teen age incredulity in the role, ensuring the audience remains engrossed in the chatty family drama.”
- Tina Farmer, KDHX
“…splendid performances that deliver laughs while conveying emotional truth. Of particular note are Flekier, who gets Eugene’s blend of cleverness and cluelessness just right...”
- Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post Dispatch
“Jacob Flekier is an enthusiastic delight as (nearly) 15-year-old Eugene, the baseball and sex crazed narrator, explaining how his family, and extended family, all managed to survive under one roof together in the late 1930s.”
- Richard Green, Talkin Broadway
“The action is narrated by Eugene Morris Jerome, portrayed with pitch-perfect timing by Jacob Flekier, who seems to have been born to play this role.”
- Robert Cohn, Stl Jewish Light
“As Eugene, Flekier is full of energy and enthusiasm, portraying the teenager’s adolescent angst and occasional cluelessness with admirable clarity.”