REVIEW: SWNW's "Laughter on the 23rd Floor"

Stageworks Northwest presents a comedy about comedy writers written by a comedy writer.

Neil Simon.

What can I say about this (still living) modern American playwright? He's written one of my favorite plays (God's Favorite); several I like very much (like The Odd Couple); some that are quite good, but not my cup of tea; and quite a few I could care less about.

He's prolific. He can be funny. And he can be crude, somewhat foul and even irreverent. A Jewish writer, he's not afraid to let you know it and then show that he's not all that dedicated to the tenets of his faith either.

"Laughter on the 23rd Floor" is a biographical work. How accurate, how realistic, how self-reflective, I don't know. But it is a look back at his days working as a comedy writer for Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows" a live comedy variety show which ran on NBC from 1950-1954. Simon was part of the writing team which included Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks.

The play takes place in 1953 in the writer’s room of the "Max Prince Show," a fictional comedy variety show, during the height of McCarthyism.

Comedy writers who work in teams bounce around a lot of ideas, it seems, while also making jabs at one another. You'll see this in television programs like "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-66, developed by Carl Reiner) and "30 Rock" (created by Tina Fey, who developed as a team comedy writer for SNL).

I've seen maybe a season of "30 Rock." I watched "The Dick Van Dyke Show" as a child and have revisited it as an adult. The former had it's funny moments, but also things that moved beyond my taste. The latter I enjoyed very much.

But what did I think of this production?

Frankly, not fondly. My least favorite Simon play to date. It was far too vulgar and distasteful for me. Way far. And that is it's biggest flaw, because it needn't be.

Lots and lots of F-bombs and coarse language, the Lord's name in vain, and general swearing permeated the script. The 50's weren't like that (at with least the F-bomb). Still, the story was good.

Having said that, I will add that a lot of the comedy shticks were really well written. There's a lot of great humor in the script. And having said that, I have to say that the patter pace and comic timing of this presentation simply did not do the comedy justice.

The Look of It

A pretty good shot of the really good set.

The set for this show looks great! The overall concept and execution, marvelous. The set dressing and costuming were generally good, but some non-period "best we could dos" were present in both.

The overall production values were high and the lighting even and well conceived. Everything ran smoothly.
Kudos to Michael and Jennifer Cheney for a great design as well as Leslie Slape for making it all cue up.

The Lack of It

Michael R. Cheney, left, plays a tormented TV star.

The production, directed by Jennifer Cheney, I would classify as "good," but not exceptional (like their production of "9 to 5"). As mentioned the cast lacked zing in the zingers. And I felt the characters should have been pushed a bit more toward the zany. Performances generally lacked oomph. I just wasn't sold.

The cast, in order of appearance, includes: Dean Baker as Lucas, new writer (based on Neil Simon); Corey Farmer as Milt, staff writer (based on Sheldon Keller); Pip A. Kennedy as Val, head staff writer (based on Mel Tolkin); Ryan Lee Gaylor as Brian, staff writer (based on Tony Webster); Patrick Hale as Kenny, staff writer (based on Larry Gelbart); Lora Ressler as Carol, senior staff writer (based on Lucille Kallen); Michael R. Cheney as Max Prince, comic actor (based on Sid Caesar); Ashley Stevens as Helen, secretary; and Matt Olason as Ira, staff writer (based on Mel Brooks).

Pip A. Kennedy, right, is in top form and clearly the leading talent.

Michael Cheney's and Matt Olason's performances did rise above the rest, but the true star of the show was Pip Kennedy in top form. I believe he played his role near perfection.

I think the play has merit. It is interesting. And, if you are a person who can take a goodly dose of foul language without it bothering you, then you should see the play.

WARNING: This show contains a few adult situations and pervasive strong language--including the Lord's name used in vain and several F-bombs. I do not recommend this show for everyone.

The play runs 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays now through September 28, 2014 at the historical Longview Theater space of Stageworks Northwest. Click here for tickets.

I enjoyed this related trivia page on the SWNW website.

By Gregory E. Zschomler
Photos, by Amanda Wilson Portraiture, provided.

Magenta Presents Neil Simon Comedy "Barefoot in the Park" Opening June 13

Magenta Theater presents Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park, directed by Julie Harrison June 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m.; and June 21 and 28  at 2 p.m.

Barefoot in the Park tells the hilarious story of newlyweds Paul and Corie, who couldn’t be more opposite. He’s a conservative, ambitious young lawyer; she’s a romantic, flighty, free-spirit. 

When Corie’s widowed mother, Ethel comes to visit their new apartment, Corie plays matchmaker and sets up her fussy mother with the eccentric upstairs neighbor, Mr. Velasco, on a blind date. 

Even with the disastrous evening’s antics, everyone learns that love can conquer all. 

Publicity photo provided.

Purchase Tickets

Magenta is the last remaining resident theater company in Vancouver, Wash. 

Please support their quality productions.

"The Sunshine Boys" to be Presented by Serendipity Players

SERENDIPITY PLAYHOUSE, 500 Washington Street, Vancouver, Wash., presents “The Sunshine Boys” by Neil Simon, October 5 – 21.

Dates: October 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21

Times: 2 p.m.  Sunday; 8 p.m.  Friday and Saturday.

Tickets: $15 – at the door 30 minutes before the performance
Reservations recommended. Leave info at 360-834-3588

Special: 8 p.m. Thursday October 11 “Pay What You Will” Tickets available at the door only.

About the Play and Cast

Willie and Al were the famous comedy team of Lewis and Clark for 43 years until they broke up 12 years ago. Now they’ve been offered a chance to reunite for one night. Will they be able to put aside their differences and go on with the show? Or do the old wounds run too deep? Hilarity ensues as they work out their differences, on and off stage.

The Sunshine Boys is a comedy in two acts set in the early 1970’s. The Sunshine Boys features Boyd Kelly, Randy Swerdlick, Tory Mitchell, Amber Cobb III, Jack McCracken, Cecelia Harper, and Sandra Geary. Directed by Tony Broom and Joni Moore.

“It’s hard to go wrong with Neil Simon. We’ve been having so much fun with the rehearsals that this barely seems like work,” reports director Tony Broom. “They’re a really funny and talented group. Randy and Boyd have both done the play before and that’s been helpful to all of us.” 

The following Photographs, by Christopher Paradee, were provided:

Serendipity Players is a non-equity, semi-professional theater company.

AUDITIONS: Serendipity Players Announces Auditions for Neil Simon's "The Sunshine Boys"

Serendipity Players is holding open auditions for all roles in "The Sunshine Boys."

They are seeking men and women aged 20-70. Please see character descriptions and synopsis below. Auditions will be held July 30 and 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington Street, Vancouver.

Rehearsals will begin August 13th, usually Sunday thru Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Performances will be October 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21.

Roles:

Willy 70s
Al 70s
Ben 30s, Willy's nephew
Nurse Any age
Eddie Assistant TV Director, any age
Actor playing a nurse 20s-40s
Actor playing a patient Any age

These ages are guidelines, not absolute.

Synopsis:

Al and Willy were once the comedy partners, Lewis and Clark. Nearly 20 years ago, they split up and haven't spoken since. Now, there's a chance at a reunion. Can they patch up their differences or are things too far gone?

Details:

This is a non-equity production, but we intend to offer a small stipend to cover some expenses.  Headshots and resumes are not required, but will be accepted. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Please call or e-mail for appointment.

Serendipity Players is committed to diversity in all casting. Serendipity Playhouse is wheelchair accessible on stage and off.

If you have questions or can't attend one of the audition dates, please contact Tony at 971-563-3661 or serendipityplayers@gmail.com.

Source: Serendipity email.