Brighton Beach Memoirs to begin run at Bank Theatre Apr. 1

LEAMINGTON — The Bank Theatre is ready to bring live theatre back to the stage and share laughter with audiences, with its newest production, Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon, set to take the stage April 1-3 and April 8-10.

Directed by Joel Lewsaw, Brighton Beach Memoirs is the autobiographical story of Neil Simon’s youth in Brighton Beach, New Jersey.

“Be prepared to laugh and cry during the telling of this hilarious story” said Lewsaw. “We’re excited to bring this to The Bank Theatre stage and — just as important — we all need to live, feel and breathe live in-person theatre once again.”

Brighton Beach Memoirs tells the comical tale of Eugene Jerome and his family as he experiences puberty, his search for identity, and the family’s new living arrangements with his aunt and two cousins moving in. Each member of the household experiences their own tragicomic struggle to make their dreams a reality.

Lewsaw previously directed The Last Five Years, The Female Odd Couple, and On Golden Pond. Cyndy Silvius, also well-known on stage and behind the scenes, is Assistant Director and Stage Manager for the production.

Corey Robertson, Chair of Theatre Programming and President of The Bank Theatre, is excited.

“I’m thrilled to have Brighton Beach Memoirs, the first of Neil Simon’s autobiographical works, on our stage to kick off our 2022 season,” he said. “The themes in this great play are as universal as they are timeless: war, prejudices, unemployment, and hope for the future. Like many families today, it is the togetherness that sees them through difficult times. Joel Lewsaw has put together a fantastic cast.”

Robertson is also thrilled about getting the theatre back to a more normal routine.

“As Ontario slowly begins to reopen, I’m excited to welcome audiences into our theatre,” he said. “Our attention to safety protocols is paramount as we put the safety of our volunteers, performers, and patrons ahead of everything else.”

Some of the cast members are new to The Bank Theatre, while some are veterans.

Brett Hallick takes on the iconic role of Eugene and has not only starred in various productions, he was also student representative on The Bank Theatre Board.

Eric Miinch (Stanley) has been in many ‘banks’ but this will be his first performance at The Bank Theatre.

Well-loved on many Windsor-Essex stages, Laurie Neifer (Kate), Melinda Lewsaw (Blanche) and Ray Silvius (Jack) return with multiple shows on their resumes. Avery Thomas (Nora) and Juliet Lewsaw (Laurie) who have previously performed elsewhere, are now making their debut on The Bank Theatre stage.

Tickets for the show are $20 with runs of Friday and Saturday on April 1-2 and April 8 and 9, doors open at 7 pm, show at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees are April 3 and April 10, doors open at 2 pm and show at 2:30 pm.

The Leamington All Access Arts Pass, developed with the participation of the LAC, is welcome at the box office for admission.

All programming is sponsored in part by the Municipality of Leamington and Chances Gaming Lounge.

To purchase tickets advance and online, visit thebanktheatre.com or email banktheatre@gmail.com or call 519-326-8805.

Brighton Beach Memoirs” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. at concordtheatricals.com.