What is the play Laughter On The 23rd floor about?

Question

We are doing it as a school play, and I got the part of Milt Fields
A) Is that a good part?
B) What is the play about?

Answer 1

It's a good part.

It's about a group of writers working on a weekly comedy show. It's very very funny.

Answer 2

Very, VERY funny play! One of Neil Simon's best, in my opinion.

This play is based on Neil's own experiences as a junior writer on the old Sid Caesar "Your Show of Shows" TV series.

Milt is one of the more senior writers. It's a terrific role; in fact, there isn't a bad role in the play. It's very much an ensemble piece.

I've both acted in and directed this play. I think that the key to Milt's character is that he USES humor to cover up some serious disappointments in his life.

Besides reading the script several times, I would recommend that you try to find some of those old Sid Caesar shows on videotape or DVD. Loads of famous comics were connected with those shows, either as performers (Carl Reiner) or as writers (Simon, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Larry Gelbart, etc.). You should familiarize yourself with that brand of comedy, and with the sort of DOMINANT force that Sid ("Max Prince" in Simon's play) was at that time. You might also want to pick up Sid Caesar's autobiography, "Where Have I Been?" ; it's excellent.

Answer 3

READ THE PLAY!!! You shouldn't have even auditioned without having read it. Once you get out of high school, directors will know if you haven't read it.