Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical play, “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” will come alive through performances of Anoka-Ramsey Community College students this April in the Coon Rapids Campus Performing Arts Center. Directed by faculty member Tom McCarthy, the cast will perform this warm-hearted comedy at April 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. An alumni reception with refreshments and a chance to meet the director, cast and crew is set for April 19. An interpreted performance is scheduled for April 24.

Cast List of Anoka-Ramsey Community College Students

“Brighton Beach Memoirs” is a play by Neil Simon. Set in Brooklyn, New York's Brighton Beach in 1937, the semi-autobiographical, coming-of-age comedy is the first play in what is known as Simon's "Eugene Trilogy."

The small cast consists of Eugene, his brother Stanley and their parents Kate and Jack, as well as Kate's sister and her two daughters, Nora and Laurie. Eugene is a Russian-Jewish teenager who experiences puberty and searches for identity as he deals with his family, including his older brother Stanley, whom he idolizes and his cousin Nora, whom he has a crush on.

Due to mature themes, this play may not be suitable for children under 12 years old.

Tickets are $8 for the public, and may be purchased at the Coon Rapids Campus Bookstore.

For more information about the play, call 763.433.1250 or visit the Theatre Department Web site. For more information about the Associate in Fine Arts degree in Theatre program and other events at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.