|
Regional Reviews: Phoenix Broadway Bound Also see Gil's reviews of The Cottage, Dear Evan Hansen, Blues in the Night, and Jersey Boys
The play follows Eugene and his older brother, Stanley, as they try to break into the world of comedy writing while navigating tensions while still living at home. Their parents' marriage is crumbling, their grandfather is struggling with his independence, and Eugene and Stanley are on the verge of a major career breakthrough. When they are hired to write for a radio show, one of their sketches, which is based heavily on their own family, brings both excitement and unexpected consequences. Like the previous two plays in the trilogy, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues, Broadway Bound is deeply personal, drawn from Neil Simon's own experiences growing up in a Jewish household in Brooklyn in the 1940s with the character of Eugene closely modeled on Simon. Simon's plays are always good but the trilogy also offers a moving reflection on the sacrifices, dreams and tensions within families, making it one of his most introspective works but also a play that anyone can relate to, no matter their religion or family background. In Broadway Bound, the humor and situations are as sharp as in the previous two plays in the trilogy, but the emotional stakes feel even higher, especially as Eugene starts to understand the complexities of adulthood. Under Gil Berry's sensitive direction, the cast deliver strong performances across the board. Berry has directed all three plays and he's to be commended for the excellent work he's done. Elias Matthews continues to impress as Eugene, capturing his quick wit and growing maturity. As Eugene navigates family struggles and career ambitions, Matthews delivers a charismatic and deeply heartfelt performance. His natural comedic timing, assured delivery, and genuine sincerity make Eugene an endearing and relatable character, anchoring the play with warmth and authenticity. Cindy Covington gives a powerful and touching performance as Kate, Eugene's mother. Covington is superb throughout but she particular excels in a beautifully written monologue about a poignant moment in Kate's past when she recalls the night she danced with future Hollywood leading man George Raft. In Covington's beautifully authentic portrayal, we get a clear glimpse of Kate's younger self–full of hope, romance and dreams–before the weight of marriage and family responsibilities took hold. Michael McGraw shines as the anxious Stanley, bringing both humor and desperation to his character's ambitions. Richard Powers-Hardt delivers warmth, wisdom, and a lot of well-timed laughs as Kate's sometimes confused father Ben, who also lives in the house, while Walt Pedano portrays Kate's husband Jack with a quiet intensity, showing both his frustrations and regrets as a husband and father. Kristin Moran as Blanche, Kate's well-off sister, highlights the family's class divisions with poise. In addition to Matthews, Covington, McGraw, and Moran all played the same characters earlier in the season in Brighton Beach Memoirs. The period-appropriate set of the Jerome home by Jeff Blake, which was, appropriately, carried over from Brighton Beach Memoirs, and costumes by Mickey Courtney help immerse the audience in 1940s Brooklyn, with the cozy Jerome home feeling lived-in and authentic. The costumes are modest but still stylish, which reflects the era perfectly. Broadway Bound is a play that is both funny and deeply touching, a reminder of Simon's brilliance in blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. With its excellent cast, sharp direction, and emotional depth, Fountain Hills Theater's production is a wonderful conclusion to their season of Simon's autobiographical trilogy of plays. Broadway Bound runs through March 16, 2025, at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.fhtaz.org or call 480-837-9661. Director: Gil Berry Cast: (In alphabetical order) |
