43
Trumbull New Theatre Early Neil Simon play packs laughs
By LORRAINE WARDLE
NILES
Most theater patrons are familiar with Neil Simon, one of the most famous and successful American playwrights. But few have seen his very first play, “Come Blow Your Horn,” which is the current production at Trumbull New Theatre.
“Come Blow Your Horn” was a hit for Saturday night’s audience, and it’s easy to see how the play launched Simon’s career 50 years ago.
The play takes place in the apartment of Alan Baker, a 33-year-old bachelor. Alan enjoys a life of leisure, selling wax fruit for his father’s company by day and wooing women by night. His father does not approve, however, because Alan isn’t married.
To make matters worse, Alan’s younger brother, Buddy, has just turned 21 and wants to move in with Alan.
In typical farcical form, Alan helps Buddy come out of his shell while Buddy helps Alan mature and settle down.
“Come Blow Your Horn” premiered in 1961. Undoubtedly, it was innovative in its time, full of surprises and unexpected humor.
Today, the play is much more nostalgic than ground-breaking.
Most of the plot points seem dated.
The conflict is created because the parents don’t want their sons to be independent before they are married, a concept that is somewhat foreign today.
Even the fact that the sons work at a family-owned wax fruit factory is out of place.
However, as a “period piece,” the play still works.
While it may not be particularly relevant, it is still funny. Simon’s quick-paced dialogue is funny and snappy and his gags garnered laughter from the audience.
The success of TNT’s production is due to the direction of Emma Wason and the performance of her talented cast.
The actors were obviously prepared and well-rehearsed. Their timing was perfect and their characters were distinct and fully-formed.
As Buddy, Craig Mills, who looks a bit older than 21, did an excellent job of portraying his character’s youth and inexperience through his voice and mannerisms. Mills’ delivery kept the audience laughing.
Brian Suchora’s Alan was suave and smooth at first, but became more disheveled as he tried to come to terms with what he wanted in his life.
Michelle Billen was appropriately ditsy as socialite Peggy, without being over-the-top.
In contrast to the ditsy Peggy, Maria Wright-Ceraolo’s Connie was assertive and smart. Wright-Ceraolo has a natural stage presence and great delivery.
Dave and Lois Schneider played the parents with perfect characterization. Maybe it helped that they are married in real life, but the two were perfectly in sync. Lois Schneider was the stereotypical Jewish mother, constantly worrying about her boys and forgetting the fact that they are now adults. Dave Schneider was harried and hilarious as he lectured his sons about their lifestyles.
Each character came together to create a perfect ensemble that made “Come Blow Your Horn” a success.