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'Memoirs' Shines Bright On Tampa Stage

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By KATHY L. GREENBERG

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 18, 2008

TAMPA - Stageworks' production of "Brighton Beach Memoirs" is this season's chicken soup for the soul. There's something deeply satisfying about watching an outstanding cast treat timeless family issues, especially when the actors seem to feel genuine affection for one another.

The play is the first part to Neil Simon's autobiographical trilogy featuring Eugene Morris Jerome, a Jewish boy from Brooklyn who comes of age during the World War II era. It is 1937, and 13-year-old Eugene (Ricky Cona) lives with his parents; his older brother, Stanley (Nic Carter); his aunt Blanche Morton (Rosemary Orlando) and cousins Nora (Shelby Lopez) and Laurie (Esther Schneider).

They are one and two generations away from the immigrants who fled oppression in Europe for freedom in America. Each character struggles to balance responsibilities to the family with his or her needs to be an individual.

Between interactions, Eugene turns to the audience and narrates the memoir he's writing - a prelude to the career he hopes for in lieu of playing for the New York Yankees. His account is filled with humorous and insightful, if not voyeuristic, observations of his relatives, as well as the churning hormonal process of a pubescent boy. Through Eugene, we see a more complete picture of a family enmeshed in the complexities of economy, history and love.

Some may recognize Cona from the animal show "Critter Castaways" at Busch Gardens. Keep watching this kid because he is a star in the making. He is the quintessential Eugene, drop-kicking sarcastic witticisms like a professional football player. His performance is superlative, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him competing against Matthew Broderick one day for a coveted Tony award.

Cona's presence in no way lessens the impact of the rest of the terrific cast. The chemistry among all of the actors is palpable and true.

Lorrie Lykins as Eugene's mother, Kate, is a force to be reckoned with. She portrays a woman who draws great strength from her love of family but is not immune to moments of vulnerability. Lykins' workhorse character complements Orlando's beautiful interpretation of the fragile Blanche, whose very name suggests the pallor of an unhappy shut-in.

As Jack, Bill Karnovsky is warm and lovable. With hunched shoulders, heavy arms and sad face, he physically shows a man burdened with the responsibility of keeping the family together. At the same time, he conveys great depth of love and tenderness. He's the go-to guy you can count on to resolve any problem without judgment. This quality is especially evident in his scenes with Lopez and Carter.

Perfect casting plus Anna Brennen's confident direction and R.T. Williams' homey set design nearly outshine Simon's tremendous writing skills. This production should not be missed.

ON STAGE

Brighton Beach

Memoirs

WHEN: Through June 1; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Shimberg Playhouse, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

HOW MUCH: $24.50; (813) 229-7827; www.tbpac.org,

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