Theatre 68 is proud to present the world premiere of BROOKLYN’S WAY by acclaimed television and film writer Sam Henry Kass, probably best known as the author of the classic Seinfeld episode, “The Switch,” in which Seinfeld’s name is revealed as Cosmo. BROOKLYN’S WAY is directed by Theatre 68’s Artistic Director Ronnie Marmo, a man who wears many hats, including actor, producer, and writer and has called both the East and West coasts home during his 25-year career. Perhaps best known for his stellar performance in his one-man show, I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce, Marmo has directed and produced over a dozen films and fifty staged productions, including five Sam Henry Kass productions.
Amye Partain and Jonathan R. Freeman – Photo by Ashley Randall Photography
The place is LA, and the time is now. Scott has been hired to write for a television series – but finds himself more involved in pecking out his own personal script on his trusty Smith and Wesson typewriter. When he meets young and impressionable writer’s assistant Brooklyn in the studio’s parking lot, their chemistry quickly heats up – and soon they are a couple. Despite their 20-year age difference, Brooklyn is sure that they are perfect for each other. She has found her Prince Charming. But the path to love has never been smooth, and this road is filled with potholes and perhaps a few sinkholes. Will regrets win over love, and what repercussions can we expect?
Jonathan R. Freeman and Amye Partain – Photo by Ashley Randall Photography
Touted as a contemporary “Romeo and Juliet,” BROOKLYN’S WAY probably resembles “Cyrano de Bergerac” more closely. This tale of a tortured artist who feels that he “sold out” creatively to put food on the table stars a generally unsympathetic Jonathan R. Freeman as Scoot, a man who covers up any genuine feelings which he may have with beautifully articulated and almost poetic words. He is a morose individual with self-destructive tendencies – and he frequently lives in the past. Co-star Amye Partain is Brooklyn, a perky, animated writer’s assistant who is dazzled by Scoot’s persona and drawn to his talent. She is also a lonely lass who is looking for her true love so that she can plan for a romantically perfect future. This odd coupling is what BROOKLYN’S WAY is all about.
Amye Partain – Photo by Ashley Randall Photography
Playwright Kass employs a “play within a play” scenario. The “fourth wall” sometimes disappears, and both characters occasionally address the audience directly with their views of each other as characters in a play and also as participants in a real-life drama. From that jumping off point, time lines scramble; and past, present, and future are a mix-and-match puzzle. This story about a story about a story is sometimes confusing – but also sometimes gripping. Unfortunately, Kass’ characters also prove somewhat stereotyped and stuck in a doomed scenario.
BROOKLYN’S WAY Poster – Courtesy of Theatre 68
BROOKLYN’S WAY runs through October 13, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 7 p.m. on Sundays. The Rosalie Theatre at Theatre 68 Arts Complex is located at 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets are $25. For information and reservations, go online.
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