(Editor’s Note: Due to ongoing concern about the COVID Omicron variant, New Jewish Theatre is extending its postponement of performances of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” The production will now run March 24 to April 10, instead of the dates indicated in our previous story below. The new dates will also result in the complete rescheduling of “Every Brilliant Thing,” which was to have been the second show of the season. Current ticketholders will be contacted about the change in dates.)
Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” opens the 2022 season this month for New Jewish Theatre (NJT).
The ensemble comedy, inspired by the legendary playwright’s earlier experience as a staff writer on Sid Caesars’ “Your Show of Shows,” runs Jan. 20 to Feb. 6 at The J’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur.
“We chose to open our season with this play because of its unique humor and because it allows us to continue our exploration of America’s most prolific Jewish playwrights,” said NJT artistic director Edward Coffield. “Our audiences love Neil Simon! We had a colossal hit with ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ in 2019, and this play is also biographical. I consider it to be one of his funniest plays.”
The cast of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” includes several actors making their NJT debut: Aaron Mermelstein as Val, Joel Moses as Milt, Michael Pierce as Kenny, Ben Ritchie as Max Prince, and Annie Zigman as Helen. Returning to NJT in the cast are: Dave Cooperstein as Ira, Kirsten Wylder Debroux as Carol, and Jacob Flekier as Lucas. The production is directed by Coffield; with the creative team comprised of Dunsi Dai (scenery), Michael Sullivan (lighting), Ellie Schwetye (sound) and Michele Siler (costumes).
The lineup for the remainder of the 2022 season includes “Every Brilliant Thing” (March 24 to April 10), Ken Ludwig’s “Dear Jack Dear Louise” (June 9 to 26), “The Bee Play” (Sept. 8 to 25), and “Jerry’s Girls: The Jerry Herman Revue” (Dec. 1 to 18).
For ticket information, as well as the venue’s COVID-19 safety guidelines, call (314) 442-3283 or visit newjewishtheatre.org.
