Broadway Bound

The last play in Simon's semiautobiographical Brighton Beach Trilogy, about aspiring writer "Eugene Jerome," starts Eugene toward marriage and a career in writing comedy as his nuclear family undergoes various forms of fission around him. There are no weak links in the performance ensemble, only strong and stronger, with JoBeth Williams the standout for her often-affecting, even powerful, depiction of Eugene's mother. Of course, she does get the juiciest moments in this mixture of humor and drama. This deft production, while not profound, moves and entertains. The infectious laughter of a live audience enhances the experience. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Starred review from September 15, 2009
This third and final installment in Simon's semiautobiographical trilogy of playsfollowing "Brighton Beach Memoirs" (1983) and "Biloxi Blues" (1985), recordings of which are also available from L.A. Theatre Workshas brothers Eugene and Stanley struggling amid a family crisis to write a radio comedy skit in preparation for a major audition. A 1987 Tony Award nominee, it is a powerful and compelling story mediated by deft comedic positioning perfectly executed by the eight-person cast, particularly by Scott Wolfe (as Eugene) and Alan Mandell (as Grandfather Ben), who provide most of the laughs. The sound effects further make this a rich listening experience. For those fond of old-time radio drama and comedy.Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA

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