Broadway Bound

Neil Simon wrote some of my favourite plays.  Brilliant writing, engaging, relatable stories with utterly identifiable characters typify the works of one of America’s greatest, and most bankable playwrights.

Broadway Bound, the final of the Simon trilogy which started with Brighton Beach Memoirs and continued with Biloxi Blues, can now take its rightful place amongst the elite list of Simon classics I treasure.

Director Carla Moore would be considered one of the most experienced directors at Theatre on Chester; her body of work is impressive, enduring and has entertained and delighted audiences at the iconic Epping address for longer than most can remember.   

Her latest presentation once again offers theatregoers a production of superior quality, complete with a character filled set, designed by Luke Wallyn, depicting a modest Depression era New York apartment and costumes from Joy Sweeney in muted tones of a bygone time, including a stylish suit worn by Blanche which established her superior station in life to a tee.  Lighting Design by Mike Brew and Sound by Tracey Okeby Lucan created the perfect mood and atmosphere, setting us up for an engrossing and engaging blend of humour, drama, conflict and love that Neil Simon was renowned for.  His semi-autobiographical works created an apt introduction to the legend he was to become.

While the design aspects of the production are outstanding, it is the cast where the true brilliance of the performance lies.  Catherine Potter, a stalwart of the Chester stage, depicts Kate, the long-suffering wife and quietly devoted mother, with her usual skill and subtlety.  To see Catherine’s name in a cast list is to grab your diary and get the tickets.  Her frustration towards her father, Ben, played with chutzpah by Ross Alexander, is a story older than time in any home where multi-generational relationships ebb and flow with every barb, every snide remark and every loving glance. 

Eugene (Jordan Andrews) is the young Neil Simon, breaking the 4^th wall to offer insight and youthful wisdom at regular intervals.  Andrews is developing into a performer bringing truth, sincerity and depth to each role he creates and his energy, particularly opposite his brother, Stan (Cameron Sutton) upped the ante in every scene they shared.  Sutton, a newcomer to the Epping community theatre, was well received by this audience and my prediction is we have not seen the last of him, not by a long shot.  Blanche (Cassandra Gorman), the aunt who married well and moved uptown arrives in all her glory to reign supreme over her sister, Kate, trying to convince their father, Ben, to move to Florida for the sake of their mother’s health.  Ben left his wife years before and sees no reason why he should uproot himself.  Thus ensues some snappy repartee in the traditional Jewish style full of wit, sarcasm and pathos, handled beautifully by the talented and scene stealing Alexander. 

Last, but by no means least, is Jack (Nick Roberts), the conflicted husband and father, who creates angst and heartache with his irresponsible and hurtful behaviour towards his wife, and to some extent his sons.  Roberts is utterly believable as he confronts and is confronted by the painful truths of his indiscretions, thus creating some of the best dramatic scenes of the play.  As a homage to Brighton Beach Memoirs, directed by Moore 28 years ago, the voices of Tom and Joy Sweeney, Kate and Jack back then, along with the delightful Phil Lye, have been embedded into the production as part of the Radio Play.

Cold, rainy, wintery weather makes venturing out at night a challenge – Broadway Bound at Theatre on Chester makes it all worthwhile.

Annette Snars

Bookings:  www.theatreonchester.com.au