BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS at the Nederlander Theatre

(Seen 10/27/09)

Director David Cromer delivers a first class revival of Neil Simon's play about growing up Jewish in Brooklyn. It will soon be followed by BROADWAY BOUND, and they will play in repertory.

The multi-ethnic cast includes Dennis Boutsikaris. Santino Fontana, Laurie Metcalf, Jessica Hecht, Noah Robbins, Alexandra Socha, and Gracie Bea Lawrence --- all searching their Jewish souls for laughter, pain, angst, guilt, and all the other traits that Simon has imbued them with.

Cromer has wrought portrayals of depth, humor, and sadness from his very capable ensemble cast, and we are drawn into this wonderfully crafted play. We are entertained and moved, as the disparate family struggles to survive and flourish, overcoming their varied problems.

Strong individual performances and scenes meld into a nostalgic and engrossing evening of theatre.