Neil Simon's Musical Fools at Open Fist Theatre Company

LOS ANGELES - Sept. 18, 2019 - PRLog -- Dumb… dumber… dumbest? Open Fist Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Neil Simon's Musical Fools, an adaptation of the Simon play Fools, with book and lyrics by Neil Simon and music and lyrics by Phil Swann and Ron West (deLEARious, The People Vs Friar Laurence). West also directs, with music direction by Jan Roper and choreography by Louisa Kendrick Burton. Neil Simon's Musical Fools opens Oct. 12 at Atwater Village Theatre, where performances will continue through Nov. 17; pay-what-you-want previews begin Oct. 4.

The musical version of Simon's play, like the original, is set in Ukraine in 1893. A young tutor arrives in Kulyenchikov following a harrowing journey — only to discover that the village is cursed, rendering every resident as dumb as a bag of rocks. Will Leon fall victim to the curse, or can he save himself and the village too? Just how dumb are the villagers? Let us count the ways: smart-dumb, naïve-dumb, bully-dumb, literal-dumb, professionally dumb, bureaucratically dumb… and just plain old stupid.

"This simple allegory has a certain, perhaps unfortunate resonance in today's political and cultural climate," laughs Open Fist artistic director Martha Demson. "But what I really love are the creative tunes and choreography and the incredible imagination that Ron brings to the storytelling. It's theatrical, charming, entertaining… and very funny."

According to West, best known for his work with Chicago comedy troupe The Second City, "People are really going to enjoy Phil's melodies. And yes, it is very, very funny!"  Neil Simon (1927–2018) is widely regarded as one of the most successful, prolific and performed playwrights in the world, with many of his plays adapted for film.

Neil Simon's Musical Fools opens on Oct. 12 at 8.p.m. and runs through Nov. 17, Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 4 p.m. (except Sunday, Oct. 13) and Mon. at 8 p.m. Previews on Oct. 4, 5, 6, 7, and Oct. 11. Tickets are $10-$35, Previews are Pay-What-You-Want. A fundraising gala will take place on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. for which tickets are priced at $100.

Atwater Village Theatre is located at 3269 Casitas Ave in Los Angeles, CA 90039. On-site parking is free. For reservations and information, call (323) 882-6912 or go to www.openfist.org.  Neil Simon's Musical Fools is family friendly: appropriate for ages 8 and up.