Laughter on the 23rd Floor

The Writers' Room

The Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street, is presenting Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23^rd Floor through April 13. Based on his experiences writing for Sid Caesar with Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Sid Caesar himself, Simon’s comedy is set in the writers’ room for the fictional comic, Max Prince. Jason Silverman does an excellent job of portraying Lucas, an alias for Neil Simon. He serves as the narrator as well as the newest addition to the comedian’s cadre of writers.  Crazy antics and comic lines are delivered by the entire first-rate ensemble cast which also includes Bruce Graham, Carl N. Wallnau, Megan McDermott, Benjamin Lloyd, David Edwards, Kenneth Boys and K.O. DelMarcelle. This production gives us a rare opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes of a successful comedic series and what transpires  when the star and his writing family and the studio “bigwigs” don’t see eye to eye.  Although some of the gag lines are a bit dated, they are true to the time period and come spinning across the stage at such a rapid pace that you scarcely have time to notice.   This piece evokes a bit of nostalgia for those who remember “The Show of Shows” and straightforward fun for those who don’t.  For more information or tickets, call 215-785-0100 or visit online at brtstage.org.