Two brothers from Middleboro, Zeke and Cam Lewis, will be playing Eugene and Stanley Jerome in a production of Neil Simon’s acclaimed autobiographical comedy, “Broadway Bound,” opening Friday, May 3, at the Alley Theatre in Middleboro.
Presented by Middleboro’s Nemasket River Productions, now celebrating 20 years of local live theater, “Broadway Bound” runs three weekends, Fridays and Saturdays, May 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18 at 7:30 p.m.; with matinees on Sundays, May 5 and 12 at 2 p.m.
All performances are at the Alley Theatre, 133 Center St. in Middleboro.
Zeke Lewis, 20, and Cam Lewis, 27, grew up in Middleboro and attended Middleboro High School.
“The brothers found their love of acting with the high school drama department shows that they did all four years of school,” a press release from Nemasket River Productions. “Cam's proudest moment came in his senior year, when he received a best actor award at the drama festival of the Massachusetts State Drama Guild.
Cam’s brother, Zeke, followed a similar path, performing in plays and musicals at the high school. Zeke’s love of music is reflected in his ability to play ten different instruments as well as singing in choirs and musical shows. Zeke is a music major at Bridgewater State Univ, where he is a sophomore.
The brothers are adapting to their roles in “Broadway Bound” and say they enjoy rehearsals.
“The two of us know each other very well,” Zeke said, “and sometimes we give each other that look that says ‘I know what you’re going through.’”
“It’s lots of fun to play off of Zeke,” Cam added. “We find we’re using the type of energy we feel at home where we joke around a lot; we’re very sarcastic toward each other. Zeke is quick-witted, and so is the character he’s playing. It’s a blast.”
The third play of Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy that includes “Brighten Beach Memoirs” and “Biloxi Blues,” “Broadway Bound” recalls the events of the time when he leaves his Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, home to begin the writing career that will propel him to huge success as America’s most beloved comedy playwright.
The play is a comedy, but it also reveals the trauma of Simon’s mother and father breaking apart after almost 30 years of marriage.
The cast includes Sheila Kelleher, Karen Champney and Ed Krasnow from Plymouth and Bob Shire from Scituate.
Tickets are: general admission, $20; senior and student, $18; matinee, $15.
For reservations, call 866-244-0448 or get tickets at the door or online www.nemasketriverproductions.com.