Denison University's theatre department will present one of playwright Neil Simon's prized comedies, "Brighton Beach Memoirs." Performances are at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday (Feb. 17-18) and Tuesday through Saturday (Feb. 21-25) in Ace Morgan Theatre (211 W. College Street). Tickets may be reserved by calling the theatre box office at (740) 587-6527, and are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors.

Directed by Associate Professor Peter Pauze, "Brighton Beach Memoirs" is a nostalgic comedy told from the point of view of Eugene Morris Jerome, a teenage boy growing up in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn in 1937. His sardonic asides serve as running commentary on the various sibling rivalries, parent-child conflicts and economic uncertainties that plague his Depression-era family and threaten to tear them apart.

Pauze says "Brighton Beach Memoirs" was chosen because, as a "kitchen comedy," it serves as good experience for students "to hone their skills at creating vibrant, believable characters and to clearly portray their changing relationships. It is a very funny comedy, but also has many genuinely touching and moving moments as well."

Cast members include seniors Charles Hauser (Carthage, Mo.), Caitlin McCown (Beloit, Wis.) and Catherine Ross (University Heights), juniors Jordan Fehr (University Heights) and Lindsey Johnston (Perrysburg), sophomore Lowell Byers (Chappaqua, N.Y.), and freshman Amanda Moore (Bridgeport). Junior Sebastian Orr (Chardon) serves as assistant director, senior Danielle Lebens (Chesterfield, Mo.) is scenic designer, junior Kari Renell (Columbus) is assistant costume designer, and freshman Laura Judson (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) serves as stage manager.

Visiting Assistant Professor Mary Sykes is working as lighting designer, Assistant Professor Mark Sorenson is costume designer and Andrew Johns is the technical director.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- Denison's theatre department presents Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs"; 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday (Feb. 17-18) and Tuesday through Saturday (Feb. 21-25) in Ace Morgan Theatre (211 W. College St.). Tickets may be reserved by calling the theatre box office at (740) 587-6527, and are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575