The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre tunes in to 1950s television when Laughter on the 23rd Floor hits the stage August 18-27. The show is a hilarious tribute to Neil Simon’s early career as a TV writer when he worked alongside fellow comedy legends Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks. Laughter on the 23rd Floor follows the rollercoaster antics of a not-your-average 1950s writers’ room, as the comedy pros frantically attempt to please their larger-than-life boss. The writers scramble to top each other with uproarious gags while battling with studio executives who fear the show’s humor is too daring for Middle America. Through their writing and fighting, the team exposes the social and political undercurrents of the ’50s.
Dana Snyder returns to Arrow Rock to play Max Prince. One of Dana’s first professional jobs was at the Lyceum 30 years ago. He returned 16 years later to appear in the Lyceum’s production of The Producers as Max Bialystok. He has also appeared in Lyceum productions of Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, and Damn Yankees. Dana has appeared in numerous regional productions, but his day job for the last 20-something years has been doing cartoon voices in shows on Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Netflix, and more. He is best known for the role of Master Shake in the animated hit Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
Jacob Flekier makes his Arrow Rock Lyceum debut as Lucas. He returns to the world of Neil Simon after previously appearing in productions of Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, and Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Edward Juvier, another Lyceum newcomer, plays the role of Milt. He has performed on Broadway and in the national tours of Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera, and in numerous regional productions. Perry Ojeda, who plays Val, is familiar to Lyceum audiences from his roles in Shrek and Beauty and the Beast. He has performed on Broadway in On the Town, Blood Brothers, and Norah Ephron’s Imaginary Friends. Among his many television credits is his work as the voice of Carlos in the popular animated series Cocomelon.
Christopher Gerson appears as Brian. He was recently seen off-Broadway in Chains, and in Alabama Story and BUZZ at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. His television credits include appearances in HBO’s The Other Two, and NBC’s The Blacklist. Spencer Kruse, who plays Kenny, is making his Arrow Rock debut. He most recently appeared in Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound at the New Jewish Theatre in St. Louis. Leah Gabriel portrays Carol. Her New York credits include the title role in Medea, and roles in King Lear and Othello at the Titan Theatre Company. She was in the U.S. premieres of Holy Day and The Good Girl.
Brooks Braselman, who appears as Ira, has enjoyed success with voiceover work, including roles in Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Squidbillies, and as Truman Capote in The Black and White Ball. His theatrical roles include work in The Pajama Game, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Monkey Business. Ally Gia, a Lyceum newcomer and recent graduate of Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory, plays Helen. Her recent credits include roles in American Idiot, A Christmas Carol, and Sondheim on Sondheim.
Director Alan Knoll makes his Arrow Rock directorial debut with Laughter on the 23rd Floor, but his many acting appearances on this stage have made him a favorite among Lyceum regulars. His regional directing credits include The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Imaginary Theatre Company, The Nebraska Rep, The Old Creamery Theatre Company, Ozark Actors’ Theatre, Dramatic License Productions, Insight Theatre, and Prism Theatre Company. He recently helmed both Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound for the New Jewish Theatre in St. Louis.
The production team also includes Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl, Costume Designer Garth Dunbar, Lighting Designer Vincente Williams, Sound Designer Jon Robertson, Production Stage Manager Tony Dearing, and Assistant Stage Manager Lauren Young.
This production is rated PG-13 for adult language. Single tickets for Laughter on the 23rd Floor are $45 for adults, with senior, student/child, and public safety discounts available. Show dates are August 18-27. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit LyceumTheatre.org or call 660-837-3311.
The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), professional theater located in the historic 19th-century village of Arrow Rock, Missouri. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences for more than six decades, producing musicals, dramas, and comedies. Each year, this 416-seat theater attracts professional actors, designers, stage managers, directors, and technicians who take residence in Arrow Rock to bring patrons Broadway-caliber productions.
The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association.