Broadway Bound

Broadway Bound is more than Neil Simon's autobiographically inspired account of Eugene Jerome and his older brother Stanley's entry into show biz from pedestrian jobs and lower-middle-class home in Brighton Beach. It's Eugene's story of the final stages of an entire family breakup.

Already somewhat estranged is Aunt Blanche (Melissa Teitel, riveting in just one impressive appearance), who fails to persuade her father, Ben, to rejoin his wife and move to Florida. An ardent old socialist (wonderful, funny David Howard), Ben would rather spend his time in daughter Kate's home than with Blanche and her wealthy businessman husband or with his own wife who loves the comforts they afford her. Especially in his frequent "senior moments," Ben proves a major source of Eugene's humor. How family typically inspired, and disappointed, Eugene and Stanley becomes clear when the clan gather around the radio to listen as their first comic skit is broadcast. They're either unaware of or insulted by being used. Dark overtones deepen when mother Kate learns of her husband Jack having been unfaithful, and they subsequently split. Having devoted her whole life to homemaking and family, Kate is destined for triple separations.

Since directorial emphasis falls on Kate, a protracted description of a supreme moment in her youth when George Raft (not yet a movie star but a famous local high-stepper) commandeered Kate for a dance, makes this set piece a show piece. Carolyn Michel does it up proud, including Eugene in an audacious dip.

As for Ross Kidder's Eugene, I keep hearing about the correctness or not of his accent. Though I can't speak for its authenticity, I do know all his jokes "come through." He also seems to realize he's second fiddle to Michel; he carries the tune with great concentration and an endearing humility. Sam Osheroff complements him as the blustery Stanley, alternating between confidence and apprehension, always believable.

Scenery, for anyone who's familiar with this play and its predecessors, is generic Brighton Beach. Costumes are authentic. Bradford Wallace as Jack is both.