MN's Park Square Theatre Presents Neil Simon's LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR, Now thru 7/8

Park Square Theatre offers its first Neil Simon play, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, a semi-autobiographical romp behind the scenes at the fictional 1950s "Max Prince Show," starting tonight, June 1st. The comedy writers work to outshine each other while Max worries about the network executives and the future of his television show.

The winner of innumerable awards, Neil Simon is known as one of the funniest playwrights of our time. He began his career writing for Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows," and he worked with many of the most humorous people of his generation: Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Sid Caesar and Larry Gelbart, to name just a few. He's used these real-life funny men to create his fictionalized characters in Laughter on the 23rd Floor.

Ari Hoptman plays Ira, an annoying hypochondriac, whose real life inspiration was Mel Brooks; Karen Wiese-Thompson is Carol, the lone female writer, inspired by Selma Diamond; Milt, whose inspiration was Carl Reiner, is played by Eric Webster; the role of Lucas, the young, new writer joining the team-reflecting Simon's own experience-is filled by John Catron. Bob Malos is Val, a Russian émigré; Randy Funk is Brian, who dreams of Hollywood; and Katherine Tieben is the overworked secretary, Helen. The role of Kenny, nicknamed "the Genius," whose real life counterpart was Larry Gelbart, is played by Craig Johnson-in his 50th appearance on Park Square's Stage. The man they all write for, Max himself-inspired by Sid Caesar and Jackie Gleason-is played by Michael Paul Levin.

Joining director Curtis, the artistic production team includes Michael Hoover (Scenic Designer), A. Emily Heaney (Costume Designer), Michael P. Kittel (Lighting Designer), Katharine Horowitz (Sound Designer), Kirby Moore (Properties Designer) and Jamie J. Kranz (Stage Manager).

Previews open tonight, June 1 and run through June 7. Friday, June 8 is opening night, and the play has an extended schedule, running through Sunday, July 8. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday performances, which begin at 2 p.m. All performances are in the company's intimate 340-seat theater in Saint Paul's historic Hamm Building, 20 W. Seventh Place.

Ticket prices: Previews: $25. Regular Run $38 & $58. Discounts are available for seniors, those under age 30, and groups. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square box office, 20 W. Seventh Place, or by phone: 651.291.7005, (12 noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday), or online at www.parksquaretheatre.org.