By Caitlyn Crock, Matrix Staff Writer – Issue 2, Feature

Brighton Beach Memoirs, by Neil Simon, was a delightful play that the Athens Drama Club performed from Nov. 11 through 14.

As the audience waited for the play to begin, there was big band jazz and other music from the 20s and 30s as well as a themed slid show. This was a nice touch that helped audience members fall into the mindset of the 1930s.

Humor was a triumph for this cast of students. It was hard to go for five minutes without chuckling at either the body language or a turn of phrase that sent audience members into hysterics.

Most of the cast knew exactly what to say and how to say it. Some had more trouble than others, but there was no obvious need for reminders.

The set was magnificent, with two stories and five working doors. The industrial arts teacher Wayne Hanzel and a few of his students volunteered to stay after school to construct it. It took about one month and a half to set up this elaborate scene.

This play was definitely for older audiences. Entire scenes were dedicated to masturbation, naked women and other mature topics.

The only flaw that all audience members agreed on was that the play went on far too long as though it tried to end but did not know how.

Overall,  Brighton Beach Memoirs was a wonderful play. Drama Club is in for a fantastic year.