Mount Greylock Students Stage Original Comedy 'Rewind'

The documentary 'When Comedy Went to School' explores the origins of modern stand-up comedy in the Catskill Mountains, also known as the Borscht Belt, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping American humor. Jewish comedians, who faced societal adversity and generational trauma, found a unique outlet for expression and healing through comedy, and the Catskills provided numerous stages to refine their craft. The film details how, from the 1930s to the late 1960s, these resorts became incubators for comedic talent, with the region's decline paralleling shifts in American entertainment. This historical overview underscores the significant impact of Jewish performers on the broader landscape of American comedy, illustrating how humor became both a coping mechanism and a means of cultural integration. The story of Jewish comedians in the Catskills is framed as a microcosm of the Jewish American experience at large. Ultimately, the film serves as both a tribute and a primer to this influential era in comedic history.