There's good news up north. Davidson Community Players is presenting Neil Simon's autobiographical Brighton Beach Memoirs with a finely detailed set from Sandra Gray and evocative lighting from John Hartness. More importantly, there's an outstanding performance in the lead by the diminutive Anthony Napoletano as 14-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome.
Now the bad news. Audiences at Hodson Hall have little reason to stand and cheer before Napoletano takes the final bow. His supporting players are nearly down to the usual DCP standard, adequate at best and delaying Napoletano's ovation until 10:40. But it happened last Saturday night with a thrilling whoosh as the entire house rose to its feet at once. Deservedly so.