The Caltech Playreaders

2016-2017: The 66th Season

All of our readings will be held at 7:30 pm
at the Caltech Athenaeum in the Hall of Associates.

Please note our earlier start time of 7:30 p.m. The doors will open at 7:15.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Broadway Bound by Neil Simon

Directed by Rob Stirbl


The last of Simon's semi-autobiographical trilogy, Pulitzer-nominated Broadway Bound opens as Eugene and his brother struggle with a comedic radio skit that will launch their show business careers. But the brothers' radio play turn out to directly mimic their own family, nudging their parents' crumbling marriage past the breaking point. Pivoting from laughter and luminous reminiscence to angry confrontations, Simon brilliantly captures the reality that sometimes things are funny right up until the moment when they suddenly aren't. Wondrous, vintage Simon.

The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited.

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Setting: The Jerome house in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York. It is 6PM on a cold day in February, in 1949. Snow covers the streets and it is already dark.

Cast of Characters:

Kate Jerome Eugene and Stan's Mom and Jack's Estranged Wife
Ben Kate's Marxist Dad
Eugene Jerome The Younger Brother, a Comedy Writer
Stan Jerome The Older Brother, also a Comedy Writer
Blanche Kate's Well-to-do Sister
Jack Jerome Kate's Husband
Announcer A Radio Voice
Chubby Waters Host of Radio Show
Mrs. Pitkin A Radio Voice