Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Salve Regina University’s fall show this year at the historic Casino Theatre in Newport is “Brighton Beach Memoirs” by Neil Simon. It is an autobiographical play about Simon’s family relationships both good and bad including sibling rivalries both past and present, parent and child authority issues and the hilarious escapades of a 15 year old boy’s entry into puberty. The play isn’t only beautifully written but has some strong acting in it, too. Director Patricia Hawkridge infuses her college cast with the dramatic and comic moments the script calls for creating a crowd pleasing show that the audience can savor and enjoy thoroughly. Their brilliant performance is rewarded with a spontaneous standing ovation. It was like watching a professional theatre company perform this show.
