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Laughter on the 23rd Floor

Presented by Austin Playhouse at Austin Playhouse

February 25-March 27, 2011

Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars):
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Continuing the raging success of the 2010-2011 season, Austin Playhouse produces Neil Simon’s comedy "Laughter on the 23rd Floor." The side-splitting comedy follows the writing, fighting, and wacky antics which take place in the writers' room of a weekly variety show circa 1953.

The characters in the play are based on Neil Simon's co-writers on Sid Caesar’s television show "Your Show Of Shows," including Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Sid Caesar, and Jackie Gleason. At the plot's core is Max Prince, the star of "The Max Prince Show," and his ongoing battles with NBC executives who fear his
humor is too sophisticated for Middle America.

During its multiple runs on Broadway and the West End this critically acclaimed play was appreciated by audiences for its honest and humorous look at the daily struggle to balance professional and personal success.

Playwright Neil Simon drew on his personal experiences as a staff writer on “Your Show of Shows” to create "Laughter on the 23rd Floor," which takes a look at the backstage chaos that goes into writing and producing a show during the 1950’s golden age of television. The play follows Max Prince, the star of “The Max Prince Show” as he struggles to keep ratings high and his family life in tact.

LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR CAST AND CREW
Kimberly Barrow, Brian Coughlin, Huck Huckaby, Jenny Larson, Jason Newman, Steve Shearer, Blake Adam Smith, David Stahl, and David Stokey.
Directed by Don Toner, Costume Design by Buffy Manners, Lighting Design by Don Day, and Sound Design by the Gunn Brothers.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Austin Playhouse

    3601 South Congress Avenue
    Austin, TX 78704

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets:

    $26 Thursday and Friday, $28 Saturday and Sunday, $35 Opening Night. All Student tickets are half-price.

    Buy discount tickets in advance: $18 + $1.50 service fee

    Info Phone: (512) 476-0084

    Email

    Buy Tickets

    Check for Discount Ticket

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    February 25-March 27, 2011

    Times:
    

    8pm Thursday - Saturday, 5pm Sunday

  • Accessibility Info

    

  • Video & Image Gallery

    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Brialliantly acted. Supremely funny. Must see"
      Review posted by: Michael A Foster from Austin Texas, Feb 28, 2011
      

      This well-written and extremely funny play is brilliantly performed. You will laugh and hehaw at the zany lines and crazy antics of a group of comedy writers as they deal with the growing nuttiness of... Expand

      This well-written and extremely funny play is brilliantly performed. You will laugh and hehaw at the zany lines and crazy antics of a group of comedy writers as they deal with the growing nuttiness of their star- Max Prince. David Stokey gives a knock-out performance of a man who is: highly creative, confused, and conflicted. His facial expressions and vibes are in total alignment the entire performance and you start to wonder if the man really is crazy! Brilliantly performed-Oscar worthy. Every actor is "perfect for the part" and performs it perfectly. Highly recommended for an evening of delightful laughter and fun.Got a standing ovation on opening night- which was well deserved.See it now, as you may wish to return for more! Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Laughter is funny!"
      Review posted by: Liz from Austin, TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      This Neil Simon play is about the writers for a comedy show and their antics. I'd liken it to the current TV show 30 Rock for a modern day comparison. However, it is a period piece romp firmly rooted... Expand

      This Neil Simon play is about the writers for a comedy show and their antics. I'd liken it to the current TV show 30 Rock for a modern day comparison. However, it is a period piece romp firmly rooted in the 1950s. Very clever, very funny script - what else would you expect from the maestro? All the actors were superb in their roles, no weak links. I very much enjoyed "Laughter" from the stage and from the audience around me. Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      ""Laughter" delivers plenty"
      Review posted by: Jesse Griffith from Austin TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      Has Neil Simon ever written a 'bad' play? I don't think so... The writing is so good, they practically play themselves. So it's my theory as to why so many amateurs rely on his work for monologues,... Expand

      Has Neil Simon ever written a 'bad' play? I don't think so... The writing is so good, they practically play themselves. So it's my theory as to why so many amateurs rely on his work for monologues, and theatres with inexperienced actors produce his works. Give it to professionals and it's pure gold, you'll laugh for days afterward. Austin Playhouse could not have done a better production, it was seamless, and the characters were all memorable-perfect casting. What's more, they all had that extra 'something' that reminded one of those exact character 'types' from the 1950's. It was like a nostalgic walk back in time, and it clipped along at the perfect Simon pace. The only disappointment I experienced was having to leave at the end. Don't miss this one- better yet, take along someone you know who thinks they don't like theatre (almost always people who never go), they'll beg to go again and again... yep, it's that good! Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Another Successful Show"
      Review posted by: Meyers from Austin, TX, Feb 27, 2011
      

      Austin Playhouse has done it again: created another lively, engaging show. It impresses me that Austin Playhouse shows go so well on opening night. Laughter on the 23rd Floor tells the story of... Expand

      Austin Playhouse has done it again: created another lively, engaging show. It impresses me that Austin Playhouse shows go so well on opening night. Laughter on the 23rd Floor tells the story of a writing team in New York, 1953. Neil Simon’s script is as funny today as it was when he wrote it in 1993. I can’t remember a show I have laughed in more than this one. David Stokey plays the lead character, Max Prince, passionately. He has a palpable, intriguing energy on stage. The giggling, clapping crowd appeared to enjoy him also. This show has a dynamic tension in it; I kept wondering what would happen next. It is well-rehearsed; the show flows perfectly. It is definitely laughter on the 1st floor in this show. Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Must-See: Mirth-filled Mania Meets Dread & Desperation"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Feb 26, 2011
      

      This “memory play” is one of playwright Neil Simon’s best, an enduring, endearing tribute by the revered “joke machine” to the energy-charged, no-holds-barred, inside look at his happy,... Expand

      This “memory play” is one of playwright Neil Simon’s best, an enduring, endearing tribute by the revered “joke machine” to the energy-charged, no-holds-barred, inside look at his happy, nervous, delirious beginnings as a comedy writer in the golden age of variety TV. It is a paean to the manic camaraderie of the people who agonized week after week meeting deadlines and grinding out giggling goods to live audiences whose tastes were being altered by seminal events of the ‘50s. It’s also a showcase for the gallantry, genius and idiosyncrasies of the man they serve(d), Max Prince (read: Sid Caesar), even as they bait one another with stunning insults for practice. Don Toner, Prod. Artistic Dir. and the play’s Director, has assembled a pure ensemble of acting talent – 9 thespians of whom 5 are AP Acting Company members, 4 of those Actors’ Equity members. Each actor embraced his/her role to near perfection, even on opening night. David Stokey as the manic Max is a mess, consumed by Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Superbly Acted"
      Review posted by: Ronda Dale Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Feb 26, 2011
      

      This Neil Simon comedy portrays a 1953 weekly variety show writers' room and includes McCarthy-era, commie-hunt references as well as strong language. (I would not recommend this for the kiddies or... Expand

      This Neil Simon comedy portrays a 1953 weekly variety show writers' room and includes McCarthy-era, commie-hunt references as well as strong language. (I would not recommend this for the kiddies or patrons offended by the "F-bomb.") While the show may remind you of the writer skits and sketches on the old "Dick Van Dyke Show," this group of writers is much more "enhanced." That said, I do recommend this production for the excellent acting of each and every well-cast member on stage. Every character quirk, neurosis, idiosyncrasy and personal tic brought a flood of audience laughter. David Stokey stands-out as the "Mad" Max Prince. The opening night audience gave a well deserved standing O to the cast. One tip: Call early for the best seats and the best sightliness on the set. The actors do a great job of moving around the "thrust stage" displaying their incredible acting chops, but center seating is a plus. Collapse

• Media
  Gallery

  • All Media Gallery

    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Brialliantly acted. Supremely funny. Must see"
      Review posted by: Michael A Foster from Austin Texas, Feb 28, 2011
      

      This well-written and extremely funny play is brilliantly performed. You will laugh and hehaw at the zany lines and crazy antics of a group of comedy writers as they deal with the growing nuttiness of... Expand

      This well-written and extremely funny play is brilliantly performed. You will laugh and hehaw at the zany lines and crazy antics of a group of comedy writers as they deal with the growing nuttiness of their star- Max Prince. David Stokey gives a knock-out performance of a man who is: highly creative, confused, and conflicted. His facial expressions and vibes are in total alignment the entire performance and you start to wonder if the man really is crazy! Brilliantly performed-Oscar worthy. Every actor is "perfect for the part" and performs it perfectly. Highly recommended for an evening of delightful laughter and fun.Got a standing ovation on opening night- which was well deserved.See it now, as you may wish to return for more! Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Laughter is funny!"
      Review posted by: Liz from Austin, TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      This Neil Simon play is about the writers for a comedy show and their antics. I'd liken it to the current TV show 30 Rock for a modern day comparison. However, it is a period piece romp firmly rooted... Expand

      This Neil Simon play is about the writers for a comedy show and their antics. I'd liken it to the current TV show 30 Rock for a modern day comparison. However, it is a period piece romp firmly rooted in the 1950s. Very clever, very funny script - what else would you expect from the maestro? All the actors were superb in their roles, no weak links. I very much enjoyed "Laughter" from the stage and from the audience around me. Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      ""Laughter" delivers plenty"
      Review posted by: Jesse Griffith from Austin TX, Feb 28, 2011
      

      Has Neil Simon ever written a 'bad' play? I don't think so... The writing is so good, they practically play themselves. So it's my theory as to why so many amateurs rely on his work for monologues,... Expand

      Has Neil Simon ever written a 'bad' play? I don't think so... The writing is so good, they practically play themselves. So it's my theory as to why so many amateurs rely on his work for monologues, and theatres with inexperienced actors produce his works. Give it to professionals and it's pure gold, you'll laugh for days afterward. Austin Playhouse could not have done a better production, it was seamless, and the characters were all memorable-perfect casting. What's more, they all had that extra 'something' that reminded one of those exact character 'types' from the 1950's. It was like a nostalgic walk back in time, and it clipped along at the perfect Simon pace. The only disappointment I experienced was having to leave at the end. Don't miss this one- better yet, take along someone you know who thinks they don't like theatre (almost always people who never go), they'll beg to go again and again... yep, it's that good! Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Another Successful Show"
      Review posted by: Meyers from Austin, TX, Feb 27, 2011
      

      Austin Playhouse has done it again: created another lively, engaging show. It impresses me that Austin Playhouse shows go so well on opening night. Laughter on the 23rd Floor tells the story of... Expand

      Austin Playhouse has done it again: created another lively, engaging show. It impresses me that Austin Playhouse shows go so well on opening night. Laughter on the 23rd Floor tells the story of a writing team in New York, 1953. Neil Simon’s script is as funny today as it was when he wrote it in 1993. I can’t remember a show I have laughed in more than this one. David Stokey plays the lead character, Max Prince, passionately. He has a palpable, intriguing energy on stage. The giggling, clapping crowd appeared to enjoy him also. This show has a dynamic tension in it; I kept wondering what would happen next. It is well-rehearsed; the show flows perfectly. It is definitely laughter on the 1st floor in this show. Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Must-See: Mirth-filled Mania Meets Dread & Desperation"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Feb 26, 2011
      

      This “memory play” is one of playwright Neil Simon’s best, an enduring, endearing tribute by the revered “joke machine” to the energy-charged, no-holds-barred, inside look at his happy,... Expand

      This “memory play” is one of playwright Neil Simon’s best, an enduring, endearing tribute by the revered “joke machine” to the energy-charged, no-holds-barred, inside look at his happy, nervous, delirious beginnings as a comedy writer in the golden age of variety TV. It is a paean to the manic camaraderie of the people who agonized week after week meeting deadlines and grinding out giggling goods to live audiences whose tastes were being altered by seminal events of the ‘50s. It’s also a showcase for the gallantry, genius and idiosyncrasies of the man they serve(d), Max Prince (read: Sid Caesar), even as they bait one another with stunning insults for practice. Don Toner, Prod. Artistic Dir. and the play’s Director, has assembled a pure ensemble of acting talent – 9 thespians of whom 5 are AP Acting Company members, 4 of those Actors’ Equity members. Each actor embraced his/her role to near perfection, even on opening night. David Stokey as the manic Max is a mess, consumed by Collapse

    • Event Name: Laughter on the 23rd Floor
      "Superbly Acted"
      Review posted by: Ronda Dale Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Feb 26, 2011
      

      This Neil Simon comedy portrays a 1953 weekly variety show writers' room and includes McCarthy-era, commie-hunt references as well as strong language. (I would not recommend this for the kiddies or... Expand

      This Neil Simon comedy portrays a 1953 weekly variety show writers' room and includes McCarthy-era, commie-hunt references as well as strong language. (I would not recommend this for the kiddies or patrons offended by the "F-bomb.") While the show may remind you of the writer skits and sketches on the old "Dick Van Dyke Show," this group of writers is much more "enhanced." That said, I do recommend this production for the excellent acting of each and every well-cast member on stage. Every character quirk, neurosis, idiosyncrasy and personal tic brought a flood of audience laughter. David Stokey stands-out as the "Mad" Max Prince. The opening night audience gave a well deserved standing O to the cast. One tip: Call early for the best seats and the best sightliness on the set. The actors do a great job of moving around the "thrust stage" displaying their incredible acting chops, but center seating is a plus. Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this event.