Brighton is brilliant
Just another masterpiece
by Christopher Key
There are a lot of professional theatre companies that would kill to come up to the standards of the Bellingham Theatre Guild. When you’ve seen as many BTG performances as I have, it’s easy to become jaded and forget what a gift it is to have a community theatre of this caliber. I’ve worked with some pretty high-powered amateur groups in my time, but the BTG blows them all off the stage. Teri Grimes’ production of Brighton Beach Memoirs is not only a smashing opener for the Guild’s 81st season, but a vivid reminder of just how phenomenally good this theatre is.
Legendary playwright Neil Simon has been called the master of the one-liner. I can’t quarrel with that, but it’s unfair because some of his scripts reveal a sensitivity that goes beyond the laugh lines. That’s why he’s a legend and it’s nowhere more evident that in the first of his three semi-autographical plays, sometimes known as The Eugene Trilogy. Brighton is the most often performed of the three, probably because of the family interrelationships and the coming-of-age story that is identifiable even to us goyim.
I’ve sung director Teri Grimes praises so often that it’s becoming something akin to a litany. But she continues to paint theatrical masterpieces that should be hung in a museum. BTG audiences have come to expect this and won’t be disappointed in the least by this show.
It begins with a stunning set designed by Russ Nelson and made real by Joe Super and his Backstage Bandidos. It’s a multi-level marvel that must have been hellish to light. Ryan Goelzenleuchter once again demonstrates his ability to master hellish lighting challenges and light operator Ed Marantette nailed every cue.
Having given the knuckedraggers their due, it’s time to admit that the actors are no less brilliant. Simon’s script demands a truly cohesive ensemble performance, not an easy thing to bring off. Grimes has assembled a cast that makes it look easy, while still delivering stellar individual performances.
Liver as an entree seems to be a problem for the cast of Brighton Beach Memoirs, playing at the Bellingham Theatre Guild through October 11.
Andrew Ibach plays Eugene Jerome, Neil Simon’s alter ego, with an amazing stage presence and charming brashness. Since he’s one of Grimes’ students in her renowned Bellingham High School drama program, it comes as no surprise. Marla Bronstein plays the Jewish mother as if she was born to the role and she really should get in front of the lights more often.
It has become somewhat of a cliché in my reviews to refer to Les Campbell as Les-is-more. He has earned that cliché by proving it true repeatedly. His performance as Jack Jerome is letter-perfect. If this were a letter-perfect world, Susan Shreve would be in a lot more shows. Her performance as Blanche is devastating and adds to her reputation for versatility.
Matt Goodwin could have taken the character of Stanley too far by giving in to the raw emotionalism of the part. Instead, he delivers an understated performance that is more powerful for that restraint. Blanche’s two daughters couldn’t be more different. Nora, played by Jana Gueck, has Broadway stars in her eyes. Gueck gives us the star-struck teenager, but is equally believable as the repentant daughter.
As the overprotected snowflake who may or may not have real health problems, Clarice Cohn doesn’t get much stage time. She makes the most of what she has by coming on as a bit bipolar, not an easy thing to do.
Brighton Beach Memoirs plays September 25 – October 11 at the Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H Street. Evening performances at 8:00, Sunday matinees at 2:00. Tickets are $11 for adults, $9.00 for seniors (62+) and students, and $7.00 for children. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the BTG Box Office at 733-1811. There are some adult themes and language that may not be suitable for younger children.
Teri Grimes knows how to make an entrance.
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