Overview
Synopsis
Brighton Beach Memoirs is the first play in Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical comedic Eugene trilogy, which also includes Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound. The story of Brighton Beach Memoirs follows almost 15-year-old Eugene Jerome as he grows up in 1937 Brooklyn. Eugene learns about girls, family, relationships, and the impending war. Eugene makes many witty observations about life and the need for family throughout the play, as he interacts with his passionate, quirky Polish-Jewish relatives.
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Context
Neil Simon, known for his comedic wit in plays such as The Odd Couple and Rumors, turned to his own childhood for inspiration. Set in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, Brighton Beach Memoirs is a coming-of-age story for Eugene Jerome, a 15-year-old boy obsessed with girls and baseball. The first play of the “Eugene Trilogy,” Brighton Beach Memoirs premiered in 1982 in Los Angeles before moving to San Francisco. Following these successful trials, it opened on March 27, 1983, at the
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Act One
At the Jerome house on Brighton Beach, in September of 1937, almost 15-year-old Eugene Jerome fantasizes about playing professional baseball. Inside the house, Eugene’s mother Kate is preparing dinner, while his nearsighted aunt Blanche struggles to see her work at the sewing machine. His 13-year-old cousin Laurie lounges while she reads a book; because she has a heart flutter, no one makes her do any housework. On the other hand, Eugene is called upon to help set the table.
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Brighton Beach Memoirs.
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Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A group of three connected dramatic works that develop a theme or narrative across multiple performances.
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress