First Look: Kentwood Players Presents Neil Simon's BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, Opening Tonight
Kentwood Players presents Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs" from tonight, July 10, through August 15, 2015, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.
The production is directed by Valerie Ruel, produced by Heather Barnett and Kathy Dershimer by special arrangement with Samuel French. Featured in the cast are Veronica Alicino, Harold Dershimer, Lori Kaye, Louis Politan, Katie Rodriguez, Matthew Van Oss and Laura Wiggins
"Brighton Beach Memoirs" is the semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon. It is the first chapter in what is known as his Eugene Trilogy, followed by "Biloxi Blues" and "Broadway Bound." This first play centers on 15 year old Eugene Jerome who lives with his family in Brighton Beach during the height of the Depression in 1937. He has dreams of becoming a star pitcher for the New York Yankees alternating with his growing awareness of girls. Eugene narrates the play with wit and takes us through his memories and reflections of himself and his family as they share their laughter, tears, and love as they navigate the hard times of the depression.
Tickets are $20 with a $2 discount for seniors, students, servicemen, and Metro riders who present their monthly pass or TAP card when purchasing full price tickets at the box office. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (310) 645-5156 during box office hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 4pm-7pm. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted. You may also purchase tickets online at www.kentwoodplayers.org. Groups (10 or more) should call (310) 645-5156 and select the Group Sales option.
But wait...here's a special offer for Neil Simon fans!
Kentwood Players and Theatre Palisades, our sister community theater, are pleased to offer a package deal for tickets to the first and third plays in Neil Simon's Eugene Trilogy this season. "Brighton Beach Memoirs" runs July 10 to August 15 at the Westchester Playhouse and "Broadway Bound" runs September 10 to October 11 at Theatre Palisades, giving you the opportunity to see how the Jerome Brothers saga begins and ends. Tickets to both productions may be purchased for a total of $35, saving five dollars of the single ticket prices. To take advantage of this offer, call the Kentwood Players box office at (310) 645-5156 or the Theatre Palisades box office at (310) 454-1970.
For more information about Kentwood Players including our current production and upcoming auditions, please visit the Kentwood Players website at www.kentwoodplayers.org. You can also find Kentwood Players information on Facebook and Twitter.
To meet the "Brighton Beach Memoirs" production team and learn more about Kentwood Players and what goes on at the Westchester Playhouse, the public is invited to attend our general membership meetings, which are free and held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.
Photos by Shari Barrett
Eugene (Matthew Van Oss) has dreams of becoming a star pitcher for the New York Yankees
Stanley (Louis Politan) tries to reason with his brother Eugene (Matthew Van Oss)
Negotiating a disagreement between sisters is always an impossible task. ( with Veronica Alicino, Harold Dershimer and Lori Kaye)
After an asthma attack, Blanche (Veronica Alicino - R) is comforted by her daughter Laurie (Katie Rodriquez - L) and sister Kate (Lori Kaye - C).
Kate (Lori Kaye) offers her best pearls to Blanche (Veronica Alicino) to wear out on a date
Matthew Van Oss and Louis Politan portray brothers Eugene and Stanley Jerome
Kate (Lori Kaye) is shocked when her son Stanley (Louis Politan) cannot pay back the money he owes her.
Kate (Lori Kaye) and Jack )Harold Dershimer) struggle to keep the Jerome family afloat during the Depression.
Jack (Harold Dershimer) has a heart-to-heart chat with his son Stanley (Louis Politan).
Eugene Jerome (Matthew Van Oss) guides us through his memoirs growing up with his family in Brighton Beach during the Depression.
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