Photo Flash: First Look at Jason Alexander-Helmed BROADWAY BOUND at the Odyssey Theatre

Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.

Email:

Existing user? Just click login.

Heartwarming, poignant -- and hilarious. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents a revival of Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical dramatic comedy, Broadway Bound, directed by Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), who created the role of "Stanley" in the original Broadway production. The 8-week run at the Odyssey Theatre is set to open tomorrow night, August 2. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Alexander working with the cast, plus production photos, below!

A finalist for the the1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and recipient of multiple Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations, Broadway Bound sparkles with the potent combination of Simon's celebrated comic genius and his deep understanding of family dynamics. As their parents' relationship unravels, two brothers - aspiring comedy writers - convene in the upstairs bedroom of their Brighton Beach home to write and rehearse material. When the brothers use their real-life family situation as inspiration for a radio comedy skit, they quickly learn that complications ensue when life informs art.

Ian Alda (Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Mark Taper Forum; Broadway Bound at La Mirada) and Noah James (A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Jack Stehlin at the Odyssey) star as brothers Eugene and Stanley Jerome who are determined to break into show business as professional comedy writers. Their forbearing mother, Kate, is played by Gina Hecht (The Prisoner of Second Avenue alongside Alexander at the El Portal; Broadway Bound at La Mirada, recurring roles on Glee, Hung, ER, Seinfeld and more), and dad Jack Jerome is portrayed by Michael Mantell(AfterMath with Annie Potts at both the Odyssey and the Matrix, L.A. premieres of Orange Flower Water, The Monogamist and And Still the Dogs at EST/LA). Socialist Grandpa Ben is Allan Miller (The Sunshine Boys at the Odyssey, Broadway Bound at La Mirada, over 200 films and TV shows including the "bald glasses" spelling bee judge in Bad Words), and newly wealthy Aunt Blanche is Betsy Zajko (The New Electric Ballroom and A Bright New Boise, at Rogue Machine).

The final play in an acclaimed semi-autobiographical trilogy that includes Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues, Broadway Bound opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre in December, 1986, directed by Gene Saks and starring, along with Alexander, Linda Lavin, Jonathan Silverman, Phyllis Newman and John Randolph. The production ran for nearly two years, making the cover of Time magazine, which proclaimed it "Neil Simon's Best Play."

Set design for the Odyssey production of Broadway Bound is by Bruce Goodrich; lighting design is by Leigh Allen; sound design is by Martin Carrillo; costume design is by Kate Bergh; prop design is by Katherine S. Hunt; production consultant is John Iacovelli; choreographer is Lee Martino; assistant directors are Amandla Jahava and Donna Hosseinzadeh; and production stage manager is Jennifer Palumbo. Ron Sossi produces in association with Larry Field.

All tickets are $30. There will be two pay-what-you-can (minimum $10) performances on Thursday, Aug. 14 and Wednesday, Sept.10. The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025. For reservations and information, call (310) 477-2055 or go to www.OdysseyTheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Enci