Jason Alexander, of Seinfeld fame, is directing a revival of Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical Broadway Bound at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. The show runs from August 2 - September 21 with a cast of six that features Ian Alda, nephew of Alan Alda and grandson of Robert Alda, as the central character "Eugene Jerome." Gina Hecht ("St. Elmo's Fire," "Seven Pounds"), Noah James, Betsy Zajko, Allan Miller and Michael Mantell round out the cast.
Broadway Bound is the third play in Neil Simon's "Eugene Trilogy." Together with Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues, it traces the life of "Eugene Jerome" from his New York City adolescence through basic training during World War II and the beginning of a comedy-writing career.
In Broadway Bound Eugene returns from the war and tries to break into show business together with his brother Stanley, but a family crisis threatens to get in the way of their success.
Jason Alexander may be as familiar with Broadway Bound as anyone, having played Stanley in its Broadway debut. That production ran for 756 performances beginning in December 1986 and also starred Linda Lavin (later replaced by Joan Rivers), Jonathan Silverman, Phyllis Newman and John Randolph. Lavin and Randolph both won Drama Desk and Tony Awards for their performances. The play itself received a Best Play Tony nomination and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Though best known as "George Costanza" on the long-running Seinfeld, Jason Alexander is a seasoned stage performer (and Tony Award winner) himself. He directed several musicals for Reprise Theatre Company, where he was Artistic Director until its demise last year. He has also directed two films, not to mention Brad Paisley's "Online" music video which won the Country Music Association's Video of the Year Award in 2007.
