Southeast to present Simon's 'Brighton Beach Memoirs'

Audiences will travel in time and be transported to the New York borough of Brooklyn when the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance presents "Brighton Beach Memoirs," the iconic Neil Simon play about a 15-yer-old boy's coming of age.

"This is one of Neil Simon's most charming plays. [It's] about growing up, discovering love and looking for a place in the world. It will be a real heartwarming evening of smiles," theater and dance department chairman Dr. Phil Nacy said in a news release from the university.

The award-winning play, set in September 1937 in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, N.Y., centers around Eugene Jerome, a character Simon fashioned after himself, as he struggles to make sense of life while going through puberty and a sexual awakening. Southeast student Noah Hendry is in the lead role.

There is plenty of household drama; Eugene lives with his immediate and extended family. In addition to his older brother, Stanley, played by Andrew Gehrlein, and his parents, Kate and Jack, portrayed by Madison Doty and Kyle Morr, the household includes his aunt Blanche, played by Shannon Walton, and her two children, Nora and Laurie, portrayed by Jessica Love and Anna Hebrank, who moved in after the death of Blanche's husband a few years earlier. Because of the many people he has to support, Eugene's father must work two jobs to keep afloat, which is taking its toll on him and on his family.

The play focuses on the importance of family, standing up for what you believe in and going for your dreams, whatever they may be, and whatever your age.

Director Kenneth Stilson, professor of acting and direction at Southeast, is excited to bring "Brighton Beach Memoirs" to Southeast Missouri.

"This play is phenomenal. That's why we picked it. It's a growing-up play that everyone can relate to no matter where you're from," Stilson said, adding that it's an ideal play for college students to stage since there are so many roles for young performers.

"This play is just so well written," Stilson said.

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" had its Broadway premiere at the Alvin Theatre in 1983. Matthew Broderick, known for playing the title role in the film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," took home a Tony Award for his performance as Eugene. The original Broadway play ran for nearly 1,300 performances.

The 1986 movie adaptation starred Jonathan Silverman, who perhaps is best known for the film "Weekend at Bernies."

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" is the first of three plays in what is known as Simon's semi-autobiographical "Eugene trilogy," which includes "Biloxi Blues" and "Broadway Bound."

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" will be staged in the Rust Flexible Theatre on the River Campus and includes adult content that may be unsuitable for children. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. April 30 to May 3, and at 2 p.m. May 4.

Tickets may be purchased at the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, by calling 651-2265 or online at rivercampusevents.com.