Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 8, 1990 TAG: 9006080043
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-5 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER SOUTHWEST BUREAU
DATELINE: ABINGDON LENGTH: Medium
But Neil Simon just can't help being funny.
The Barter Theatre production of this play showcases some impressive talent, notably Michael Lewis as Eugene, the coming-of-age character reflecting Simon's own experience; Christopher Cull as his older brother, a guide of sorts for Eugene on subjects ranging from girls to gambling; Douglas Simes as their father, whose physical limits are taxed by his family responsibilities, and Vivien Landau as their aunt, who seems helpless as a widow and is taken in by her sister's family.
Sandra Drew is the sister and the mother of the boys. She has some fine dramatic scenes with Landau as some of their own childhood animosities resurface, forcing them to see one another in new ways. Adding to the complications are Landau's 16-year old daughter (played by Michele Bailey) who wants to leave school for the stage, and Lorraine Morgan as, supposedly, the sickly member of the family.
The story is told through Lewis' energetic Eugene who, in some of the funnier parts of the play, steps out of the situation on stage and speaks directly to the audience from the point of view of his (or Simon's) adult self. Lewis makes these transitions without a single jarring note, making it look easy.
Cull, as the older brother, is right in step as he and Eugene sometimes comfort and sometimes confront one another - and as he falls prey to problems of his own. And Simes, as the father, makes his character as least as sympathetic as that of Eugene, around whom the play revolves.
"Brighton Beach Memoirs" continues through June 23. Further information and reservations are available by calling 628-3991 locally or 1-800-572-2081.
by CNB