Grade: B+
Almost anything Neil Simon writes is funny. Even when his “memory plays” sink into a melodramatic and maudlin mire, they are still funny. With a decent cast and competent direction, Neil Simon is going to be funny.
But with a cast of veterans and a director who knows how to keep the play brisk and spontaneous, Simon is out-loud, bust-a-gut hysterically funny. With its current production of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” the Auburn Players have the right cast and director with the right play, and if you like your laughs in nearly continuous waves, this is the show for you.
Brian Allen Jones does fine work, ensuring that the pace is brisk and the staging is crisp. He moves his cast about the stage surely and, while there are no lapses in the action, he manages to avoid letting things get manic.
Bob Frame turns in some terrific work, particularly in the first act, with his portrayal of comic genius and lousy businessman, Max Prince (based on Sid Caesar). In fact, this is some of the best work I have seen from Frame in several years, with good, sharp movements and an immediacy to his delivery that makes the characterization crackle.
Ted Davenport and Tom Hoey are superb as senior writers for Prince's TV show. Davenport is absolutely marvelous as a Russian who has trouble cursing in English (when he gets it right, by the way, it's the highlight of the show.) Hoey is a wonder as a hypochondriac who is constantly late and on an eternal deathbed.
These three performances are more than enough to recommend this show, but the cast just keeps on coming. Joel Weirick, Simon Moody and Sam Tamburro are all excellent as a trio of caustic writers for the TV show, and Michaela Oney turns in a stellar performance as the group's female voice (her own explanation of cursing is another of the show's high points.) Jamie Bruno is very good as Simon's alter ego, and the play's commentator and Carole Estabrook hands in her usual flawless work as a harried secretary who wants to write comedy but lacks a sense of humor.
Each of the supporting actors gets a chance to shine, and each takes full advantage with clear, well-drawn characterizations and pinpoint delivery. There isn't a weak link in the bunch.
Navroz Dabu has designed a wonderful set. Everything fits and the floor plan allows for freedom of movement on an often crowded stage. Rob Fragoman does fine work with the lighting, and Barbara Toman has done an outstanding job with the costumes, although it would be nice to see at least one writer with a necktie instead of a bow.
Due to adult language this play is not recommended for pre-teens.
If you go
What: “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 20
Where: Irene A. Bisgrove Theater, Cayuga Community College, Auburn
Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students
Info: Call 406-7435
But with a cast of veterans and a director who knows how to keep the play brisk and spontaneous, Simon is out-loud, bust-a-gut hysterically funny. With its current production of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” the Auburn Players have the right cast and director with the right play, and if you like your laughs in nearly continuous waves, this is the show for you.
Brian Allen Jones does fine work, ensuring that the pace is brisk and the staging is crisp. He moves his cast about the stage surely and, while there are no lapses in the action, he manages to avoid letting things get manic.
Bob Frame turns in some terrific work, particularly in the first act, with his portrayal of comic genius and lousy businessman, Max Prince (based on Sid Caesar). In fact, this is some of the best work I have seen from Frame in several years, with good, sharp movements and an immediacy to his delivery that makes the characterization crackle.
Ted Davenport and Tom Hoey are superb as senior writers for Prince's TV show. Davenport is absolutely marvelous as a Russian who has trouble cursing in English (when he gets it right, by the way, it's the highlight of the show.) Hoey is a wonder as a hypochondriac who is constantly late and on an eternal deathbed.
These three performances are more than enough to recommend this show, but the cast just keeps on coming. Joel Weirick, Simon Moody and Sam Tamburro are all excellent as a trio of caustic writers for the TV show, and Michaela Oney turns in a stellar performance as the group's female voice (her own explanation of cursing is another of the show's high points.) Jamie Bruno is very good as Simon's alter ego, and the play's commentator and Carole Estabrook hands in her usual flawless work as a harried secretary who wants to write comedy but lacks a sense of humor.
Each of the supporting actors gets a chance to shine, and each takes full advantage with clear, well-drawn characterizations and pinpoint delivery. There isn't a weak link in the bunch.
Navroz Dabu has designed a wonderful set. Everything fits and the floor plan allows for freedom of movement on an often crowded stage. Rob Fragoman does fine work with the lighting, and Barbara Toman has done an outstanding job with the costumes, although it would be nice to see at least one writer with a necktie instead of a bow.
Due to adult language this play is not recommended for pre-teens.
If you go
What: “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 20
Where: Irene A. Bisgrove Theater, Cayuga Community College, Auburn
Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students
Info: Call 406-7435
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