You could probably come up with the names of a dozen Jewish comedians in less than a minute. It’s no secret that Jews have gravitated toward making people laugh for reasons that could keep an army of psychiatrists and sociologists busy. Add gender, and you have a complicated mix of issues. (Funny ladies still evoke controversy, as the aftermath of a 2008 Vanity Fair column by Christopher Hitchens, who asserted that women are by nature not funny, proved.) In honor of Women’s History Month, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage (2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216.593.0575) is screening the documentary Making Trouble: To be Funny, Jewish and Female, which explores the lives and careers of six notable comediennes of the 20th century (Fanny Brice, Molly Picon, Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, Gilda Radner and playwright Wendy Wasserstein) and how their approaches to comedy reflect changes in women’s lives. Local improv performer/teacher Deena Mendlowitz will host a post-screening discussion. The film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 members, $10 non-members. — Anastasia Pantsios
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