A local rendition of “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” lived up to the show’s name before concluding its run at the Popcorn Players Theater last weekend. Along with outrageously funny and offthe- wall characters, the show provided plenty of interesting perspectives on show business in the 1950s with an engaging and ultimately heartfelt plotline.
May’s performances showcased many new firsts for the Azle Arts Association. Director Josh Holden Jr. unveiled new techniques and an attention to detail that elevated the experience. The show’s introduction and intermission were accompanied by text projected onto a red curtain on stage. During moments of insight, key characters would be put in the spotlight as the rest of the stage fell dark. The set itself was arranged with the utmost care and characters interacted with its design and structure in unexpected and exciting ways. Throughout the course of the show, three large holes are punched into the set’s walls only to be repaired and replaced in time for the next performance.
The production was written by Tony and Golden Globe winner Neil Simon and is largely based on his experiences in the writers’ room of “The Sid Caesar Show.” The show features a unique look into the behind-the-scenes production of popular television in the 1950s and many of its actors reflect real-world counterparts.
