By: Emily Holody
Anthony Dramas hates musicals. Fortunately for him, he’s working on a comedy, and couldn’t be more excited.
"They tell me I have a good voice, but I don’t care," he said with determination. He does care about his comedic ability.
Anthony, 17, of Monmouth Junction, will be performing in "The Brighton Beach Memoirs" with the Marlboro Players this weekend.
The plan ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will continue with an 8 p.m. showing Friday, and a 3 p.m. showing Saturday. All performances are at the Marlboro Middle School.
"The Brighton Beach Memoirs" is the first of three unofficial autobiographical plays written by Neil Simon. It takes place in 1937 Brooklyn, N.Y. The story centers on Eugene played by Anthony an adolescent boy whose family is "just trying to get by," said Anthony. Eugene is in love with his cousin, who came with her mother and sister to live with Eugene’s family in a tiny apartment. The family struggles with money and each other, while Eugene struggles with his family and his burgeoning adolescence.
Despite the heavy themes, "The Brighton Beach Memoirs" is a comedy, and "an experience," said Anthony. "We have so much fun on the stage."
As the lead role, Anthony gets to break through the fourth wall, the imaginary wall separating the audience and actors. He speaks with the audience during the performance, and the show becomes funnier and interactive as a result.
Anthony has been acting since fourth grade when he participated in school plays at the Monmouth Junction School. He first auditioned with the Marlboro Players in the eighth grade, and has been active through the New Jersey Repertory Theatre, which works out of South and North Brunswick.
"It’s more professional," said Anthony said about the Marlboro Players. "It’s the only place where there are adult actors too. You can’t have that in high school."
Anthony and his friend, Jordan Firestein, of Marlboro, are the only two male students who received roles in this production.
"They keep it true to the story," said Anthony.
This is his second time performing with the Marlboro Players, and although the group asks him to audition for each play, because of his disinterest in musicals he will not perform in them, even with the Marlboro Players.
His mother, Allison Dramas said it is difficult having rehearsals three to four days a week.
"It’s demanding," she said.
After driving Anthony to practice, "I stay because they have me taking notes, painting chairs, all kinds of things.
"It’s a great group," Ms. Dramas added.
With all the time he spends with each group of actors, "every show becomes like a family," said Anthony.
For more information, including directions call (732) 972-7217 or e-mail [email protected].
