Neil Simon's "Memoirs" Brightens Stage at Metropolis

Metropolis' staging of Brighton Beach Memoirs is Neil Simon's love letter to his past and is considered by many to be his most touching play. It follows the adventures of the young playwright as he recalls his adolescence in New York's Brighton Beach area in 1937. It opened on Broadway in 1984 and is the first of Simon's autobiographical trilogy, followed by Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound.

Fifteen-year-old Eugene, played by Noah Rawitz, lives with his family in crowded, lower-middle class circumstances. He is the narrator and central character of the play and his mind is full of fantasies of playing baseball for the Yankees and seeing naked girls. The story captures a few days in the life of a struggling Jewish household that includes Eugene's hard working father, played just right by Steve Lehtman, his guilt ridden mother, played picture perfect by Franette Liebow, and his older brother Stanley, played by Joe Bianco. Also living in the house are his widowed aunt and her two young daughters, Nora and Laurie. Nora, played radiantly by Blair Robertson, is the object of Eugene's lust. In the face of war the family fights their own battles over money, living space, and desires.

Despite Rawitz being absolutely adorable, he falters in his attempt to accurately capture a pre-adolescent 15 year old boy. The actor is in the 8^th grade and reads a bit juvenile on stage. Most of his lines are delivered with the same "deer-in-the-headlights" expression that plays too cute for this role. However, the scenes between Rawitz and Bianco were some of the most enjoyable of the evening. Bianco gives a masterful performance as Stanley and his Brooklyn accent was flawless. Anyone who has a brother can sense the realism and connection that the two of them share in their scenes, especially when it comes to talking about girls. Not to be outdone by Bianco's brilliant performance was Robertson's portrayal of Nora. Robertson simply lights up the house every time she is on stage and her dramatic scenes were the best of the evening.

The stunning set design by Tom Tutino, puts the audience in the middle of the Jerome house. It also helps Metropolis Resident Director Lauren Rawitz move the actors seamlessly around in the space. She says in her program notes, "The meaning of family has changed. Families are spread out. Open arms need to stretch further. This play helps us remember how families used to be, and how much we take for granted today." Family definitely comes first in this production, as made evident by the casting of her son Noah as Eugene and a forgettable and slightly annoying performance by her daughter Naomi as Laurie.

With a family-first approach, Metropolis' production of Brighton Beach Memoirs is a genuinely appealing play that cleverly mixes drama with comedy.

Brighton Beach Memoirs

When: Thru April 23rd

Where: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St, Arlington Heights, IL

Prices: $27 - $37