Above: Promotional photo of the cast from "Brooklyn Boy,” an inspirational comedy-drama about going home again, opens January 21 through February 18, 2012 at Scripps Ranch Theatre. Photo courtesy of Scripps Ranch Theatre

“Brooklyn Boy” - Opens January 21, and runs through February 18, 2012

“Brooklyn Boy,” is an inspirational comedy-drama about going home again, back to family and friends and his old neighborhood. Written by Donald Margulies, the play is a witty, emotionally rich tale of a novelist who hits the best seller list with his third novel, just as his personal life begins to unravel.

SRT Artistic Director Jill Drexler said, “Margulies – an award-winning playwright and author, talks about his play as being "torn between the ...powerful tug toward the traditional and familiar and the magnetic allure of the unknown."

The play touches on the age old themes of parental approval, the lure of fame, and the loss of romantic love. When Eric, the main character of “Brooklyn Boy,” finds his novel has hit the best seller list, his sudden rise to fame turns his world upside down and yet brings him back to his roots. Margulies draws us in with humor and drama. Critics called the play "tough, insightful, bittersweet, funny and wise."

Directed by Ruff Yeager, the cast for this production includes Wendy Waddell, as Melanie, Paul Bourque as Manny, Adam Daniel as, Tyler, Amanda Cooley Davis as Nina, Charlene Koepf as Alison, Cris O'Bryon as Eric and Fred Harlow as Ira.

Yeager said, “With brilliant dialogue and superb plot structure, Margulies evocatively captures a contemporary angst and its accompanying longing - to be deeply connected to other human beings in a world where personal disconnection is becoming the norm.

“I look forward to exploring this complex dramatic world with a superb cast. I've had the privilege of working with most of these talented actors and am excited to witness the detail and depth that they will bring to these fantastic characters.

"’Brooklyn Boy’" is a quiet little play that sneaks up on you and takes you by surprise - by the middle of the first scene, you're fascinated; by the end of the second, you're hooked; and by the third, you're begging for more. I've looked forward to the opportunity to direct this play since I first saw it and am pleased to be able to share it with the audiences at Scripps Ranch Theatre,” Yeager said.

The plot: Novelist Eric Weiss, critically celebrated but financially unsuccessful, "arrives" when his new, autobiographical novel becomes a best-seller. An outsider all his life, he is suddenly on the inside of everything: town cars, television studios, the Sunday book review. But as his career takes off, his personal life stutters. His father lies ill in Maimonides Hospital, Jewish Brooklyn's version of the river Styx. His former friends and neighbors in Brooklyn celebrate his success while simultaneously being suspicious about his attitude toward them–in life and in his novel. And his success, rather than oiling the waters of his marriage, troubles them for him and his writer-wife.

“Brooklyn Boy” is loosely based segments of Margulies' life. It was first work for the stage since winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama with his “Dinner with Friends.” Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan, who directed South Coast Repertory's production of “Dinner with Friends” returned to SCR to direct the world premiere Brooklyn Boy. His staging was a co-production by South Coast Repertory and the Manhattan Theatre Club. It moved to the Biltmore Theatre on Broadway in January, 2005.

Ticket prices are $25 general admission, $22 students, seniors and active military. For reservations please call the theater box office at 858-578-7728.

Location: All performances are held in the Legler Benbough Theatre on the campus of Alliant International University (formerly United States International University) on Avenue of Nations in Scripps Ranch, one-half mile east of the I-15/Miramar-Pomerado Road exit. Google Map

Now in its 32ndt year, Scripps Ranch Theatre consistently produces high quality and entertaining theater. SRT has earned a reputation as one of the finest small theaters in San Diego.