Now in its 50th year, the Pittsfield Players are returning to its early performances. Opening Friday, Carol Neveaux will direct Neil Simon’s 1961 play, Come Blow Your Horn.
The play is the first Simon wrote, and it is somewhat based on his own life.
“It’s a comedy,” Neveaux said, “but it’s also a very tender family story.”
Come Blow Your Horn is the story of brothers Alan, a 35-year-old bachelor and ladies’ man, and Buddy, a 25-year-old playwright.
Buddy (played by Jordan Gagan) leaves his parents’ house frustrated that his father, Henry Baker (Marty Williams), doesn’t take him seriously. So, Buddy moves in with Alan.
Alan takes his shy brother under his wing and teaches him the ways of the world, setting Buddy up with the wild Peggy (Alex Keyes) as Alan dates actress Connie (Cathy Williams).
Then, mom (Meggin Dail) shows up and is determined to join their bachelors’ den because she’s no longer feeling the love from her husband.
“It’s havoc, but it’s hysterical,” Neveaux said.
Neveaux said her favorite scene is when Mrs. Baker tells her husband that she’s leaving near the end of the play. Mr. Baker then starts referring to his family members in the third person.
By the end of the play, most of the family members have settled into a new life – some of which are very different than when they started. Alan is engaged and back in his father’s good graces. Buddy is now the playboy playwright bachelor.
“I think it’s a great family show,” Neveaux said. “It’s about a family, and I think it would appeal to a family.”
The Pittsfield Players had to adopt a “show must go on” attitude, too. Lead actor Ernie Bass, cast as Alan, recently found himself in the hospital. Jared Griffin, a Pittsfield Players veteran, has stepped into the role only a week before the curtain is set to rise. Neveaux said he’s been doing great, but that he’ll be using hidden cards or an earpiece to help him out.
Shows will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Scenic Theatre in Pittsfield. Those with reserved tickets are asked to be there before 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at the door, online at pittsfieldplayers.com or by calling 435-8852.