Broadway Bound soars with great performances

By Joe Siegel

Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound,” now being presented at the Mass Arts Center, is a semi-autobiographical depiction of his family in Brooklyn in 1949.

The show is the third in a trilogy, following “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and “Biloxi Blues.”

Simon, who is responsible for writing some of the most beloved stage comedies of all time, including “The Odd Couple” and “Barefoot in the Park,” is in top form here.

Simon’s dialogue crackles with wit and the story captures the emotional heartbreak of relationships breaking apart.

Aspiring comedy writers Eugene Jerome (Michael Scurti) and brother Stanley (Graysen Mortimer) spend hours trying to write a sketch for a radio show.

Eugene and Stanley are polar opposites in personality. Eugene is the more laid-back of the brothers. He is more focused on pursuing a romance than making it big in the entertainment world.

Stanley is highly demanding and ambitious. He quits his job selling men’s clothes and is driven to succeed.

“We’re a team,” Stanley tells a hesitant Eugene.

Meanwhile, the marriage of Eugene and Stanley’s parents, Jack and Kate, is on very shaky ground.

The cast, under the direction of Marianne Phinney, provide engaging and textured characterizations.

Scurti is likable and charming as the sharp-witted Eugene, always quick with a one-liner.

Mortimer, who appeared in another Simon play, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” brings an amusing comic edge as the high strung Stanley.

The interaction between Scurti and Mortimer is always convincing and compelling to watch. The brothers argue frequently as they deal with the pressures of writing.

Mark Adams gives an outstanding performance as the grandfather Ben, a cranky socialist who refuses to move to Florida to be with his wife.

Ben has had a falling out with daughter Blanche (Rachel Morandi, filling in for Margaret Girouard). Blanche is a wealthy widow living on Park Avenue.

“I miss how good we were to each other,” Blanche tells Ben, after he refuses to embrace her luxurious lifestyle.

Mike Reynolds plays Jack as a man with wounded pride, lashing out at his sons after they write a comedy sketch based on their family. Eugene and Stanley are wounded by their father’s rejection.

Laura Stevens is sympathetic and relatable as Kate deals with the impending departure of her sons (Eugene and Stanley are moving into the city after landing a contract with CBS) and the disintegration of her marriage.

In an exceptionally well-acted and well-written scene, Jack confesses to an extramarital affair.

Stevens and Reynolds refrain from over the top histrionics by simply sharing Kate and Jack’s sense of disenchantment and loss of respect for each other. It’s a sad realization a couple makes when they discover the spark of love has faded away.

Designer Ken Butler’s multi-leveled set for the Jerome house in the 1940s, features wonderful attention to detail. It feels cozy and provides a terrific backdrop for the drama.

“Broadway Bound” leaves you with a warm feeling in the heart after spending a couple hours with this quirky and very human group of characters. The Jeromes will make you laugh and cry.

Broadway Bound runs through February 8. Performances at Mass Arts Center, 888 South Main St, Mansfield, MA. Runtime is 2 hours, 25 minutes with intermission. For tickets, call 508-339-2822 or visit massartscenter.org.

Graysen Mortimer and Michael Scurti. Photos courtesy of Mass Arts Center.

Mark Adams and Michael Scurti.