Bank Theatre cast readies for opening night

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The stage at The Bank Theatre is busy with final rehearsals this week as the cast and crew prepare for opening night on Friday, April 1.

The production — Brighton Beach Memoirs — is a story set in the 1930s Brooklyn, based on the early life of award-winning playwright Neil Simon. The play was made into a movie in 1986.

The cast of local actors, directed by Joel Lewsaw, have been rehearsing since the new year and have their parts — and New York accents — down pat.

Brett Hallick’s Eugene will keep you laughing through the entire performance.

Brett’s performance is complimented by veteran actor Laurie Niefer as Eugene’s mother, a Jewish New York mom in the 1930s.

The Jerome family sits at the dinner table. From left are Ray Silvius (Jack), Avery Thomas (Nora), Juliet Lewsaw (Laurie), Melinda Lewsaw (Blanche), Laurie Niefer (Kate) and Eric Miinch (Stanley).

Eric Miinch, as Eugene’s brother Stanley, and Ray Silvius as father Jack both have great roles as well.

Eugene’s asthmatic Aunt Blanche is played by Melinda Lewsaw and cousins Laurie and Nora are played by Juliet Lewsaw and Avery Thomas, respectively.

The relationship between young Laurie and her mother is portrayed comically by the Lewsaws, as young Laurie also has a heart condition.

Eugene’s secret crush on his older cousin Nora keeps the comedic content rolling along as Hallick and Thomas pull off that awkward teenage rapport with the flair of veteran actors.

Based on the rehearsals, Brighton Beach Memoirs will offer an enjoyable, funny look at a time gone by and should be a popular choice for local theatre-goers.

Director Joel Lewsaw and assistant director/ stage manager Cyndy Silvius had their actors perform on the new set for the first time on Sunday, March 27.

From left, Juliet Lewsaw as Laurie, Melinda Lewsaw as Blanche and Avery Thomas as Nora in Brighton Beach Memoirs.

Some tweaking of stage positions and small set adjustments are being done this week in anticipation for opening night.

Tickets for the show are $20 with runs of Friday and Saturday on April 1 and 2 and April 8 and 9. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show is at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday matinees are April 3 and April 10. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the show is at 2:30 p.m.

Brett Hallick as Eugene Jerome in Brighton Beach Memoirs.

SUN photos

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

To purchase tickets advance and online, visit https://banktheatre. com/project/brighton-beach-memoirs/ or email banktheatre@gmail. com or call 519-326-8805.