FREEHOLD — Laughter is expected to not only be coming from the set of Center Players’ current production of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” it will likely be coming from the audience as well.
“Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” running now through May 11 at Center Playhouse, 35 South St., Freehold, takes a look at the backstage chaos that went into writing and producing a show during the 1950s golden age of television.
Inspired by Neil Simon’s youthful experience as a staff writer on Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows,” this comedy under the direction of Jaff Kaplan of Manchester depicts the harried writing staff as they frantically scramble to top each other with gags while competing for the attention of star madman Max Prince.
Kaplan is known to Center Players’ audiences for his onstage roles in “Doubt,” “Twentieth Century,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Mr. 80%” and “How the Other Half Lives.”
Filled with nostalgia, classic Catskills humor and colorful characters, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” is led by Bill Lee of Middletown as Max Prince.
Other cast members include Andrew Behrens (Colts Neck), Kenneth Bropson (Howell), Yvette Cataneo (Freehold), Matthew Gochman (Freehold), Bill Normyle (Highlands), Melanie Seewaldt (Ocean Grove), Michael Tota (Jackson) and Bill Rogers (Lincroft).
“Laughter on the 23rd Floor” will be presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. A special Saturday matinee will be presented on May 11 at 2 p.m. Performances have already been sold out on April 26, April 28 and May 5, according to a press release.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students and include gourmet desserts and refreshments. Group rates for parties of 10 or more are available. Seating is limited. Call 732-462-9093 or visit www.CenterPlayers.org to reserve seats.