"I would call this play a dramedy," said Jonah McDonald, describing "Brighton Beach Memoirs." "Parts are very funny, but parts are sad, too." "Brighton Beach Memoirs" will be performed at Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, from Friday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 26.

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" was written by Neil Simon and tells the story of a Jewish family in 1930s New York. It's told from the perspective of Eugene Jerome, a teen who narrates the play. "He's anxious to get out and get on with his life, and he thinks he's ready to do that," said McDonald, who portrays Jerome.

Niki Boyer Swatski, who plays Jerome's mother, Kate, said the show includes moments that will get audiences thinking. "A lot of heavy real-life issues come to the surface," she explained. "It's set in the 1930s, but the issues facing this family still ring true today."

Lauri Lewis, who plays Eugene's aunt, Blanche, agreed, noting that audiences will be able to relate to the characters on stage. "Almost everyone in the audience is going to say, 'I've had that fight before with my family members' or 'I've had that discussion,'" she stated, joking, "People will see this show and think, 'My family isn't so bad.'"

The play features of a cast of seven, four of whom are under the age of 18, noted director Michael Swanson. Rounding out the cast are Craig Copas, Elliot Evans, Carly Evans and Molly Weiler.

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" is an autobiographical story, Swanson stated, adding that it's the first in a trilogy of plays Simon wrote about his life. "It's a depiction of Simon's youth and members of his family, probably with a rosier glow than reality," he remarked. "It's a sort of idealized version of his family." The show marks Swanson's first time directing at Susquehanna Stage, although he has directed this play elsewhere.

Themes of the show include not only family but also the idea of striking out on your own, McDonald said. "I think audiences will leave the play pondering what they maybe took for granted in their lives," he shared. "Jerome is eager to get away from his family, but then he realizes that his life is not the same without this group of people."

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 17 and 24; Saturdays, Feb. 18 and 25; and Thursday, Feb. 23. It will also be performed at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Feb. 19 and 26. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://susquehannastage.com.