Jared Lane Strolls Down Memory Lane as Stanley in Brighton Beach Memoirs

Jared Lane as Stanley Jerome ...

... during early rehearsals for Brighton Beach Memoirs

Neil Simon’s family drama Brighton Beach Memoirs is set in Brooklyn in 1937.  While that is over 80 years ago, in many respects, the family dynamic hasn’t changed all that much, and the experiences we all share as families are fairly universal.  In the Farmington Players’ production (opening September 28), Jared Lane plays Stanley, the oldest son in the Jerome family.  As Jared says, “Family dramas like these are timeless. Even if some of the specifics seem dated, everyone goes through puberty, everyone has a falling out, everyone makes mistakes. This show really brings to light the saying ‘when it rains, it pours,’ which I think any family can attest to at some point in their lives.”

Jared describes Stanley as “an eighteen year old man whose main drive is to emulate the hardworking, strong principled nature of his father, Jack.  Jack is counting on Stanley to help out financially, and Stanley is desperate to prove he is up to the task. However, Stanley's principles and attempts to make extra money only end up backfiring, leaving him conflicted and embarrassed.” Jared says he can definitely “relate to Stanley in how I tried to cover up my mistakes. At seventeen and eighteen, I was no stranger to making mistakes. The thought of owning up to these mistakes and confessing them to my parents was almost always out of the question. Even minor mistakes, a bad test grade for example, was cause for me to pack my bags and move away. Like Stanley though, I eventually learned that the consequences are far less severe when you're honest and upfront.”

In Brighton Beach Memoirs, the family starts as a collective unit.  But, as Jared observes, “over the course of the play, we watch these characters grow apart from each other, as they look inwardly into who they are and what they want to be. In the end, however, these personal journeys only solidify the closeness of the family. That's what this show's about: Growing as individuals, to grow closer as a whole.”  Jared’s favorite moments playing Stanley are “my scenes with my younger brother, Eugene. I've never had a younger brother, but I imagine I'd act a lot like Stanley if I did. Despite Stanley's mistakes, he's good natured and caring.”

Jared grew up in Midland, but has been living in Auburn Hills while he pursues his undergraduate studies at Oakland University. He’s majoring in creative writing with a double minor in history and communication and is the president of the University's competitive Speech Team. Jared’s hobbies include writing, reading, going on walks, and raising his two cats, Caesar and Augustus. He says, “this is my first show with the Farmington Players, but I can already tell that it's a special community theater and have enjoyed getting to know the cast and crew of this wonderful production.”

Brighton Beach Memoirs has 10 performances at Farmington Players Barn Theater from September 28 – October 13.  The show is proudly sponsored by Mall Malisow & Cooney.  Tickets are available online at farmingtonplayers.org or by emailing boxoffice@farmingtonplayers.org or calling the Barn box office at 248-553-2955.