Steve Solomon on his Hit Play

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy! started off as an off-Broadway play. The show ran for more than two years in New York City, spawned two sequels and toured around the world -- including Canada. It returns to Toronto later this month at the Bathurst Theatre. Shalom Life chats with Steve Solomon about his award-winning play, which premieres on Oct. 12 with Tony Award-winner Paul Kreppel in the lead role.

How would you describe your childhood?

Joyous chaos. My father insisted that I was Bar Mitzvahed. To balance things out, my mother made me pick up my Grandma Angelina at Church each Sunday.

When did you realize your life would make a funny play?

I had been telling people bits and pieces of my family's story for years; about eight years ago it was formatted into a play. Everyone thought it was exaggerated-until they actually met my family!

Why do you think the show strikes a chord with audiences?

Most everyone had a mom. pop, siblings, went to a doctor, flew on a plane, got stopped by a cop, has a crazy uncle... you get the picture. Everyone identified with the characters and circumstances in the play.

If you could pick any famous actor to play you, who would it be?

Mel Brooks? Jonathan Winters? Cher?

Regis Philbin loves the play and even talked about it on his talk show. Have you gotten the chance to speak with him?

Many times. My partner Abby Koffler and I have had the pleasure of dining with Regis and Joy.

Would you like to bring the show to other Canadian cities?

I would love the show to tour throughout Canada.

You've already written two sequels to the play. Can we expect another one?

No! Rachmonis! We now have three plays touring nationally and internationally-I really believe this trilogy of laughter represents the best of my comic writing and I'll always be trying to top myself. We now have actors who can reproduce my written work on stage wonderfully to the delight of audiences around the world. Just keeping up with those productions (almost 500 in 2011) consumes a tremendous amount of time. I love what I do. It's truly a joy watching people leave the theatre laughing and quoting sections from the shows.

For tickets and more information, visit www.italianjewish.com.