BWW Reviews: BroadHollow's LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR

BroadHollow Theatre Company's production of Neil Simon's Laughter On the 23rd Floor was enjoyable. It's a refreshing, simple, semi-autobiographical play that is inspired by Mr. Simon's early career as one of the writers for the television show Your Show of Shows. The audience was also enthusiastically receptive although the insolent, drunk, middle-aged couple that was making-out across the aisle apparently wanted to be elsewhere.

Running through November 17th at BroadHollow's BayWay theatre, the David Dubin directed incarnation will also continue at their Elmont location beginning November 23rd. According to their playbill, "... the play focuses on Sid Caesar-like Max Prince, the star of a weekly comedy-variety show circa 1953 and his staff including Simon's alter-ego Lucas Brickman. The work is a roman à clef, with the characters in the play based on Neil Simon's co-writers on Your Show of Shows..." In other words, the characters you see in this play are based on the people he actually worked with in real life on the television show.

The star of the show that the writing team works for is the aforementioned Max Prince, portrayed by George Ghossn. He was really great in this role. Max has an ongoing battle with his NBC executives who fear his humor is too sophisticated for Middle America so he also a slight case of paranoia. Overall, his comedic choices and shtick were indeed well received by the audience.

Initially, we are first introduced to Lucas Brickman, portrayed by Michael Cesarano, who is Neil Simon's counterpart for the story. He maintains a running commentary commenting on the writing processes, fighting, and wacky antics that take place in the writers' room - the set wonderfully done by Bob Butterly - throughout the performance. Lucas is a junior writer on the show and Mr. Cesarano exuded a sort of naïve demeanor for the young writer learning the ropes and trying to make it in the biz.

Also among the cast was Gary Tifeld who portrayed Milt Fields. The role of Milt pokes fun at Sheldon Keller who had a decade's long writing career spanning into the late 1980's. Mr. Tifeld was great with his one-liners and zingers and I would say had some of the biggest laughs from the audience. Additionally, Frank Tangredi, who portrayed head writer Val Skolsky, also received roars of laughter. Val is based on Mel Tolkin and Mr. Tangredi portrayed the role well with great stage presence and a booming voice. Interestingly, Mel Tolkin was the long-time writing partner of Lucille Kallen who the character Carol Wyman, portrayed by Michelle Torres, was based on. The only problem that arose was that you had to strain to hear Ms. Torres at several points. They don't use microphones and Ms. Torres' voice didn't seem to project well.

Jeff Greene portrayed the role Brian Doyle who was based on Tony Webster, the Emmy Award winning writer. With his sights firmly set on Hollywood, being on the most talented and creative writing team couldn't deter him from this ultimate goal. Also part of the writing team was Kenny Franks, portrayed by Matt Stashin. Kenny the Wiz Kid was based on Larry Gelbart and Carl Reiner and had a dry comedic persona. And rounding out the fictitious writing team was the hypochondriac Ira Stone, portrayed by John Passadino, who is inspired by Mel Brooks. Everyday Ira would come in with a new ailment and Mr. Passadino's portrayal of the role had the most personality of the cast. And to complete BroadHollow's cast, Roe Agnese-Gardner wonderfully portrayed Helen, Max Prince's secretary.

Is this is the strongest of material? Not necessarily. However, at the end of the day, BroadHollow's production of Laughter On the 23rd Floor proves to be a fun night of theatre even if it doesn't totally floor you.

Laughter On The 23rd Floor is presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Company through November 17th at the BayWay Theatre and from November 23rd - December 8th at their Elmont location. By Neil Simon, Directed by David Dubin, Set Design by Bob Butterley, Lighting Design by Eric Creegan, Costume Design by Jason Allyn, State Management by Anne Longobardo. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org.

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