"Mtich -heralded Star Deli slow-cooks its ow", folder temipt ► tiovis" zon, Holiday Tray s & Specialities Lots Of Laughter Neil Simon comedy shines at JET. Ronelle Grier Contributing Writer I magine spending every workday writing comedy sketches for the top-rated show on television, work- ing with the likes of Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner, among others — and earn- ing a hefty salary in the process. This describes playwright Neil Simon's job as a fledging staff writer for Sid Caesar's hit program Your Show of Shows, a live variety show that ran on NBC from 1950-1954. The experience launched Simon's long and successful career and provided the basis for his 1993 play, Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Playing at Jewish Ensemble Theatre through Nov. 11, Laughter, directed' by Lynnae Lehfeldt, gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the ground- breaking show that con- tinues to influence the entertainment industry more than half a century later. Writers are advised to write what they know, and Simon knows comedy; he has a firsthand understanding of the creative minds behind the laughs. The characters in Laughter on the 23rd Floor are not just Simon's creations; they are his "peeps:' inspired by the original comedic "dream team" who wrote Your Show of Shows, a group that also included Larry Gelbart of M*A*S*H fame and Selma Diamond, who later inspired the crusty character of writer Sally Rogers (played by Rose Marie) on the Dick Van Dyke Show. At the center of the group is the show's star, Max Prince, Simon's version of Sid Caesar superbly played by Joseph Albright, who reveals the complex, off-camera side of the man behind the laughs. The other writers are played by an out- standing group of actors: Andrew Huff as Brian, an Irishman who longs to make it big in Hollywood; David Meese as Milt, whose smile hides any serious feelings that might interfere with his work; Ron Williams as Kenny, the practical mem- ber of the group; Rob Pantano as Ira, a hypochondriac whose litany of ailments provides a steady supply of comic fod- der; Wayne David Parker as head writer Val, a hot-headed Russian immigrant; Allie McCaw as Carol, who wants to be STAR DELI COMPARE OUR LOW PRICES WITH ANY DEUCATESSEN IN TOWN! $8.99.„ Rehearsing for Laughter recognized for her talent instead of her gender; and Matthew Turner Shelton as Lucas, the newest member of the staff and Simon's alter ego. Julia Gray gives an excellent perfor- mance as Helen, the overworked sec- retary whose duties include everything from recording script sessions to retriev- ing shoes tossed from the window by two of the writers during one of their perpetual arguments. One reason Laughter works so well is that each character maintains a distinctive persona without overpowering the other actors. As with any great ensemble cast, the whole exceeds the sum of the indi- vidual parts. While each actor delivers a powerhouse performance, together they are unstoppable. Simon keeps the laughs coming with- out ignoring the more serious issues of the era. He depicts the ongoing struggle between quality and ratings during a scene where Prince expresses his frustra- tion with the NBC executives. The play also touches on a threat even more terrifying than ratings: Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his notorious blacklist, which included many of the era's finest creative minds. Through the words and actions of his characters, Simon makes no secret of his feelings about McCarthy. Scenic Designer Jeremy Barnett's set, a conference-style room where the writers gather, provides the ideal backdrop for this colorful group. Mary Copenhagen's costumes gave each character a distinc- tive look, especially Milt, who expresses his dramatic flair through his eccentric clothes. Lighting design is by Jon Weaver, props by Diane Ulseth and sound design by Hank Bennett. The play is dedicated to the late Allen S. Rosenfeld, a regular Your Show of Shows viewer, whose daughter Jennifer Rosenfeld Bass serves as the play's dra- maturg. REVIEW ❑ JET's production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor runs 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays through Nov.11 (there also will be a 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, matinee) at the Aaron DeRoy Theatre in the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. Info and tick- ets: (248) 788-2900; www.jetttheatre.org . $9.99 so„ DAIRY TRAY $19.99 p:. 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