Culver City Observer -

Kentwood Players presents Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs" from July 10 through August 15 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester.

The production is directed by Valerie Ruel, produced by Heather Barnett and Kathy Dershimer by special arrangement with Samuel French. Featured in the cast are Veronica Alicino, Harold Dershimer, Lori Kaye, Louis Politan, Katie Rodriguez, Matthew Van Oss and Laura Wiggins

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" is the semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon. It is the first chapter in what is known as his Eugene Trilogy, followed by "Biloxi Blues" and "Broadway Bound."

This first play centers on 15-year-old Eugene Jerome who lives with his family in Brighton Beach during the height of the depression in 1937. He has dreams of becoming a star pitcher for the New York Yankees alternating with his growing awareness of girls.

Eugene narrates the play with wit and takes us through his memories and reflections of himself and his family as they share their laughter, tears, and love as they navigate the hard times of the depression.

Tickets are $20 with a $2 discount for seniors, students, servicemen, and Metro riders who present their monthly pass or TAP card when purchasing full price tickets at the box office. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (310) 645-5156 during box office hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 4 pm to 7.

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted. You may also purchase tickets online at http://www.kentwoodplayers.org. Groups (10 or more) should call (310) 645-5156 and select the Group Sales option.

But wait...here's a special offer for Neil Simon fans. Kentwood Players and Theatre Palisades, our sister community theater, are pleased to offer a package deal for tickets to the first and third plays in Neil Simon's Eugene Trilogy this season. "Brighton Beach Memoirs" runs July 10 to August 15 at the Westchester Playhouse and "Broadway Bound" runs September 10 to October 11 at Theatre Palisades, giving you the opportunity to see how the Jerome Brothers saga begins and ends.

Tickets to both productions may be purchased for a total of $35, saving five dollars of the single ticket prices. To take advantage of this offer, call the Kentwood Players box office at (310) 645-5156 or the Theatre Palisades box office at (310) 454-1970.

For more information about Kentwood Players including current production and upcoming auditions, please visit the Kentwood Players website at http://www.kentwoodplayers.org. You can also find Kentwood Players information on Facebook and Twitter.