Raven Theatre Opens BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, 5/6

Raven Theatre finds the truth, beauty and humor of family in Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon, directed by Cody Estle. Opening night is Monday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, with a reception following in Raven's lobby. Tickets and information are available at www.raventheatre.com or 773-338-2177.

Brighton Beach Memoirs follows Eugene Jerome and his family, fighting the hard times and sometimes each other-with laughter, tears, and love. With a marvelous sense of humor, Eugene shares the hardships of puberty, sexual fantasy, and living the life of a poor boy in a crowded house. Based on Simon's memories of growing up in Brooklyn in the years just before World War II, Brighton Beach Memoirs is the first of a trilogy including Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound.

Director Cody Estle states, "This is an honest play that speaks to the joys and frustrations of this tightly woven family. Eugene's is a coming of age story, one that employs heart and humor and reminds us that for better or worse our families will always be there."

Neil Simon is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning playwright. Presenting human weaknesses in an honest and uniquely comedic way, Simon is best known for mastering the art of making serious issues funny. Other works include The Odd Couple, Lost in Yonkers, Barefoot in the Park and Laughter on the 23rd Floor.

This is Cody Estle's (Director) third project at Raven. Previous directing credits include Boy Gets Girl and Dating Walter Dante (Raven Theatre), The Tooth of Crime (City Wind Theatre), The Phantom Corvette and The Teacher (The Neapolitans Theatre Co.) Assistant directing credits include The Odd Couple and Season's Greetings (Northlight Theatre), Angels In America (Court Theatre), The Detective's Wife (Writers' Theatre), In Loco Parentis (Next Theatre), Wreckage (Caffeine Theatre) and The Cherry Orchard (Strawdog Theatre). Upcoming work includes Uncle Bob by Austin Pendleton at Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. Cody is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.

The cast of Brighton Beach Memoirs includes: Charlie Bazzell (Eugene), who has performed with Court Theatre, RedTwist Theatre, Roundhouse Theatre and Theater Wit; Sophia Menendian (Nora), who is a Raven ensemble member where she has been seen in Bus Stop, The Cherry Orchard and Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose; JoAnn Montemurro (Kate), who is a co-founding member and Co-Artistic Director of Raven where she has been seen in LuAnn Hampton Laverty Oberlander (Jeff Award Outstanding Performance), The Crucible, and A View From the Bridge; Elizabeth Stenholt (Laurie), who has performed with Eclipse Theatre Company; Liz Fletcher (Blanche), who is a Raven ensemble member where she has been seen in Golden Boy (Jeff Citation Supporting Actress), A Streetcar Named Desire (Jeff Citation Lead Actress) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; Sam Hubbard (Stanley), who has performed with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Northlight Theatre and Strawdog Theatre; and Ron Quade (Jack), who has been seen in Raven productions including The Big Knife and The Cherry Orchard.

The Brighton Beach Memoirs staff includes: Amanda Rozmiarek (Set Design/Scenic Artist), Greg Hofmann (Lighting Designer), Frances Maggio (Costume Designer), Melissa Schlesinger (Sound Designer), Andrei Onegin (Technical Director), Justin Castellano (Master Electrician), Kate Hardiman (Dramaturg), Kendra Thulin (Dialect Coach), and Vincent Mraz (Assistant Director). Kate Masiak serves as Stage Manager and Hana Rickert serves as Assistant Stage Manager.

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