Brighton Beach Memoirs at Wallingford Community Theatre @ The Library Wine Bar & Bistro

Wallingford, CT - Tickets are now on sale for Wallingford Community Repertory Theatre’s production of “Brighton Beach Memoirs” at The Library Wine and Bar Bistro at 60 North Main Street in Wallingford, CT. The show will run April 7, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. under the creative direction of Mary Ellen Kingsland-Eckels, founder and executive director of the Wallingford Center for the Arts. Dreaming of baseball and girls, fifteen year old Eugene must cope with his mundane existence and daunting family life in 1937 Brooklyn, with his formidable mother, his overworked father, and his worldly older brother Stanley. Also in the mix his widowed Aunt Blanche, and her two young (but rapidly aging) daughters, making for one of Neil Simon’s most beloved works for the stage. By turns hilarious and poignant, this coming-of-age play resonates with all who have grappled with love and family dynamics. Simon’s semi-autobiographical was critically acclaimed when it was first produced on Broadway in 1983, winning two Tony awards and a New York Drama Critic’s Circle award. “Over the years, we have celebrated the plays of many great playwrights,” said Eckels. “We are so excited to bring this classic comedy about youth and family to Wallingford. While last year’s production of Eugene O’Neill’s The Straw offered a more severe look at family life, Brighton Beach Memoirs highlights the humanity of American theatre.” About the Production The production cast continues WCT’s tradition of bringing together veteran actors, college students, and newcomers to the stage from all around the state. Justyn Velez as Eugene, Oriana Sworden as Kate, Saralyn LaPia as Blanche, Hannah Stein as Laurie, Teresa Sullivan as Nora, Matthew William Bennett as Stanley and Rick Beebe as Jack This will be the second production by Wallingford Community Theatre to be held at The Library Wine Bar & Bistro, a renovated library that was originally constructed in 1899 and has since taken on a new life as a restaurant. The restaurant is owned by Joe Gouveia, who also owns Wallingford’s popular Gouveia Vineyards. “I have always envisioned the restaurant being used for community events, especially in the arts and theatre. The Wine Bar and Bistro is about experiencing the richness in life and the community we live in, we are happy to have WCT back,” Gouveia said.