STARRING BOBBY UNDERWOOD AND ZALMEN MLOTEK
THANK YOU TOM LEHRER
Thank You Tom Lehrer is a concert tour celebrating the wit and brilliance of legendary satirist Tom Lehrer. Bobby Underwood, known for his engaging stage presence, brings Lehrer’s sharp, clever lyrics to life, while Zalmen Mlotek, a renowned conductor and pianist, provides expert musical accompaniment.
The program includes Lehrer favorites like “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” "The Elements", and "We Will All Go Together”, offering a lively and nostalgic journey through his most iconic songs. Each performance aims to showcase Lehrer’s unique blend of satire, intellect, and musical talent, inviting audiences old and new to experience his timeless humor.
Thank You Tom Lehrer is both a tribute and a revival, reminding us of Lehrer’s enduring impact on comedy and song. It promises an evening of laughter, clever commentary, and joyful music that celebrates a singular voice in American satire.
Mission
Bobby Underwood is an actor, comedian, and lifelong Tom Lehrer fan. He first met and bonded with Zalmen Mlotek over their mutual adoration of Lehrer while working on the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s production of Amerike - The Golden Land. They subsequently worked together in the Folksbiene’s productions of The Sorceress and the long running, Drama Desk Award-winning production of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish directed by Joel Grey. www.underwoodbobby.com
Vision
Zalmen Mlotek, Artistic Director of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, is widely regarded as a leading authority in Yiddish folk, theater and art song. He has been a devoted fan of Tom Lehrer since his childhood, when family gatherings would culminate and a joyous sing-along of Lehrer's hilarious, satirical and deeply relatable repertoire. Mlotek's life has been intertwined with the revival of Yiddish culture in the post Holocaust generations. He co-created and produced the first Yiddish musical on Broadway, Those Were the Days, which received two Tony nominations. As Artistic Director of the National Yiddish Theater he has overseen 20 years of musical theater productions which have received multiple Drama Desk nominations and several awards. He was the initiator of the widely acclaimed Yiddish production of Fiddler On the Roof directed by Joel Grey. Mlotek is delighted to celebrate the birthday and legacy of a songwriter he has admired for most of his life - Tom Lehrer.
About Tom Lehrer
​Tom Lehrer is an American singer-songwriter, satirist, and mathematician known for his darkly comedic songs that lampoon politics, society, and culture. He is best known for his razor-sharp humor and brilliantly subversive lyrics. Lehrer gained fame in the 1950s and ’60s with songs like Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, The Elements, and We Will All Go Together When We Go. His unique blend of satire, social commentary, and musical talent has inspired generations of artists, and his work remains as relevant—and hilarious—as ever.Though he retired from performing decades ago, his work continues to be celebrated and shared by fans around the world.
QUOTES
Dan Pardo
Pianist, Music Director
"[Bobby's] rendition of each patter song, pastiche, comedic ballad, and novelty piece showcased immense skill, flair, and authenticity, as if he were born for the sole purpose of introducing this repertoire for a new generation."
"Bobby's affinity for Tom Lehrer's style, taste, and sensibility is self-evident; he has much in common with Lehrer as a smart, slightly cynical, Jewish satirist, and his few lyric updates would likely make Tom blush."
"Attention must be paid to... Zalmen Mlotek, well known for being the artistic director of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene. Their collaboration was beshert; Yasher Koach, sir!"
Sierra Rein
Actress, Singer
"With Zalmen Mlotek on piano (and a few vocals), Bobby made the evening fly by with perfect diction, athletic breath support, classic comedic flair, the occasional political ribbing for the modern era, clever historical context for each song, and an amazing personal story and connection to Lehrer's work. Once this show is repeated (and it should be), GO!!!"
Barrie Linberg
Singer, Voiceover Artist
"An excellent show! Bobby does [Tom Lehrer's] intros justice and the [few] lyric updates are perfection. Mazel tov all around!"