THE ARTS

'Brooklyn Boy' strikes a touching chord

Throughout his career, Donald Margulies has frequently explored fractious family relationships and the hazy memories that allow his characters to overlook parts of their lives when it's convenient.

He brings it all together in a personal and introspective way in his new play "Brooklyn Boy," which ran on Broadway last spring and should now stir laughter and warm hearts at Florida Studio Theatre.

While Kate Alexander's production is occasionally too broad, the play is emotionally affecting and funny.

"Brooklyn Boy" is about middle-aged author Eric Weiss, whose autobiographical novel has just made the best-seller lists. He's on a book tour and working on a script for a film version. After years of struggling and pretentious writing, he's finally made it.

Or at least, he wants to feel that way. If only he could.

His coldhearted father, who you would think might be proud, is dying of cancer and unimpressed by Eric's success. His wife, a writer herself and somewhat jealous, wants a divorce, and Hollywood executives want to tone down the Jewish aspects in a story about Brooklyn Jews.

It's a lot to deal with, which may explain the melancholic tone Robert Gomes exhibits through much of the show (aside from the flashes which reveal that inside, he's a bundle of excitement about what's happening).

While he looks a bit young for the role, Gomes manages to create a wide-ranging portrait of Eric through his humorous and dramatic encounters with the varied people in his life.

It begins in a hospital room with Michael O. Smith as his father, Manny, who's looking a bit healthy for someone near death. But he plays up Manny's emotional emptiness and the way he deprives his son of the supportive comments Eric so longs for.

Eric's wife, Nina, is no less welcoming, although Celeste Ciulla reveals how much Nina still loves him and hates that things aren't working out. I wish she spoke with a rougher edge to her voice to make her sound less shrill at times.

Jamie Day captures the attitude of a film producer who loved the book but wants to water down its Jewishness to satisfy audiences. But that tone seems forced, as if she's projecting the character rather than embodying her.

Matthew DeCapua is exuberant as a young TV star eager to sink his teeth into a meaty role that he doesn't understand. Sage Hall displays some sweetness and savvy as a college student Eric picks up after a book-store signing in Los

Last modified: December 13. 2005 8:02AM

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