May 2, 2006 > Neil Simon's 'Fools' set for stage

by Diane Daniel

"Fools," a classic Neil Simon comedy, is the next theatrical production set for the University Theatre stage on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, on the Hayward campus of California State University.

 "Think of it ("Fools") as 'Fiddler on the Roof' meets Mel Brooks," said Thomas Hird, chair of the Theatre and Dance Department.

In the plot line of "Fools," the fictitious town of Kulyenchikov has been cursed with chronic stupidity for 200 years. Out of desperation, the town hires a young schoolteacher to break the curse. However, that teacher has only 24 hours to accomplish that goal.

To help the show's cast prepare for their roles, Jacobs had the performers view a video of a panel discussion of Sid Caesar's writers from his 1950s variety program, the Show of Shows. The writers included Simon, Brooks, Carl Reiner and Larry Gelbart, who later went on to write the M.A.S.H. TV series.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (510) 885-3261 or by going to the University Theatre box office between May 1 to 5, from noon to 4 p.m., and one hour before show time. Tickets also are available online at www.asi.csueastbay.edu (click on Buy Event Tickets) until 5 p.m. on May 5.

Tickets are $7 for general admission, $6 for youth (12 years through high school) and seniors (50 and older), $5 for Cal State East Bay students, and $3 for children (under 12 years). A family ticket is $16 and good for up to two children and two adults.

Local school teachers can book a Tuesday or Thursday morning performance of "Fools" for their class or school between mid-April and the second week of May by contacting Regina Cate, professor of Theatre and Dance, via telephone at (510) 885-3118.

Neil Simon's "Fools"
Friday, May 5
8 p.m.
Saturday, May 6
2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cal State East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward