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Masque Tackles Neil Simon Comedy

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By SARAH ROTHWELL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Playwright Neil Simon is known for making audiences laugh out loud.

His first play, "Come Blow Your Horn," tells the story of two brothers who defy their father's wishes by deciding not to take over the family waxed fruit business. The play, set in 1961, features witty dialogue that captures the quirks of an American family.

The show opens Friday at Masque Community Theatre. Veteran theater and television actor Joshua Sussman will direct. The cast includes Masque artistic director Bob Stanley as Alan Baker, Shane Burke as Buddy Baker, Itzy Friedman as the father and Lydia Massias as the mother.

"It's a funny show that doesn't rely on gags," Sussman said. "It's the words. It's the crisp and clever rapid-fire dialogue. That's what makes Neil Simon great."

To bring Simon's unique and relatable characters to life, Sussman selected actors he felt fit naturally into the roles.

"People are familiar with the play and the characters," Sussman said. "I wasn't looking to reinvent the wheel. I wanted actors who fit into the parts as we know them. I'm very happy with my cast."

Stanley, a natural comedian, was thrilled to be cast.

"I'm a big fan of Neil Simon," he said. "My part is a lot of fun. Alan's a playboy that's not ready to settle down. He's arrogant, and it's always getting him into trouble."

Friedman will draw from personal experiences to bring the role of the father to life.

"The role was a perfect fit for me," he said. "Growing up, I knew fathers who would react this way if their sons didn't want to follow in their footsteps. It's typical family stuff."

Massias describes her character as needy and emotional.

"She has a 'mama-logue,'" Massias said. "In it, she puts a guilt trip on just about everybody."

During rehearsals, Sussman worked with the cast to make each scene authentic.

"He told us, 'You don't have to worry about delivering the lines to make them funny, because they're already funny,'" Stanley said. "It's just the way it's written."

Sussman also worked to ensure that the costumes and set would reflect 1961. To capture the look and feel of a simpler time, he selected vintage clothing, artwork and furniture. Onstage, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock prints hang on the walls. There's even a phone with a dial.

"I want the audience to feel like it's a different time," Sussman said. "Little details can make or break the show."

As for what audiences can expect from opening night: "They can expect to laugh," Sussman said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Come Blow Your Horn"

WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 5 through 21

WHERE: Masque Community Theatre, 8825 N. 56th St.

HOW MUCH: $14 for ages 13 to 54; $12 for ages 55 and older, students and members of the military; $10 for ages 12 and younger

INFORMATION: Visit www.masquetheatre.net.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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