Broderick in Brighton Beach

Does anyone have a clue as to how old Matthew Broderick was when he played Eugene in 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' on Broadway?

When casting this show, do you think it's better to have someone older like 17-18 play Eugene, than someone who is 13 or 14?

Broderick had just had his 21st birthday when "Brighton Beach" opened in 1983. His understudy, Timothy Busfield (later of "30 Something") was 26. Broderick's replacements (Jon Cryer, Fisher Stevens, Josh Hamilton) were all in their 20s.

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I remember when I saw it that Zeljko Ivanek Stanley the older brother came across as in his early 20's (which he was) and that Broderick gave off the impression of how a (talented) 20-something guy woud play a teenager.

Age is not nearly as important as finding someone who can handle Simon's rat-a-tat comedic rhythms -- there are a half dozen jokes per page (as well as poignant moments later) and not many 14-16 year olds have the technique to completely handle those demands. Which is why the Broadway production and the later road tours cast young-looking 20-somethings as Eugene.

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Updated On: 8/23/04 at 11:21 PM

Another reason adults were used was because teen actors cost more. You need to get tutors on top of the weekly salary.

I'd definitely go up for Eugene if I were you -- such a great part (as you know). It all depends on how they decide to cast Stanley (Ivanek was 25 in the original, by the way).

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I saw Matthew and Zeljko in the original production -- their ages never gave me a second thought (Matthew still looked like a teenager a decade later). Being able to make Simon's constant one liners seem like they come from a real three-dimensional character, with the the proper combination of innocence and street smarts is the main reason an actor will be cast as Eugene.

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I played Laurie in BBM when I was 13. I was the only one of the right age.
Our Eugene was about 16, our Nora was a young looking 22 year old, and our Stanley was in his early twenties.
I agree with the nostalgia bit. I didn't have that advantage, but I did have the advantage of being a fresh, untainted 13 year old.
What a great show, I miss it so much!

I agree, Margo. It's easier to find an early 20's actor who looks young. They have more experience and can get more out of the words and delivery.

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I saw this show way back '83 sounds about right, could have been MB just didn't know it or care at the time. Cool !

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