The Community Players offer up a night of laughs amidst family drama in their production of Brighton Beach Memoirs.

The Neil Simon play follows the story of the Jeromes — a Jewish family living in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, New York. Considered one of Simon’s autobiographical plays of the trilogy that includes Broadway Bound and Biloxi Blues, the story unfolds around the memories of Eugene Morris Jerome.

It’s 1937 and Eugene, at 15, is finding his way in the world. The world at that moment is experiencing Hitler’s rise to power and his parents’ fear for his father’s family living in Poland weighs in the back of their minds. However what’s most on Eugene’s mind is his experience of puberty, sexual awakening, and search for his own identity.

Eugene already knows he wants to be a writer, or a baseball player for a Major League team. He decides to write down the endless anecdotal stories that his own family creates. Not only does he live with his parents and an older brother, Stanley, but he also shares his house with his widowed Aunt Blanche and his two cousins, Nora and Laurie. And they all give him plenty to write about.

The key to play these characters is finding the right balance without ever giving in to being overdramatic. Director Brian Mulvey has helped this cast find that fine line.

Matthew Vergun as Eugene gives a great performance as the comical, sarcastic yet lovable narrator of the story. Vergun has the character nailed spitting out equal parts of charming and funny with a sense of comedic timing that lights up the stage. Vergun commands the stage whenever he steps onto it and is a pleasure to watch.

As older brother Stanley, Andrew Holder does a great job as well. Whether it’s coaching his younger brother on all things puberty or coming to grips with making mistakes as he tries to navigate his role outside of his family, Holder brings the right balance of remorse, indignation, and annoyance.

Frank Justin’s performance as their father, Jack, is also right on target. Justin brings the quiet, uncomplaining dignity of this man to the forefront without every making him look weak. The man rules the roost with enough love to make every member feel they are welcome.

Barbara Schapiro and Camille Terilli do a fine job as sisters, Kate and Blanche, respectively.

The set, which Mulvey also designed, is a great one. Returning audiences may remember it from the Players’ production of “Broadway Bound” which he also directed. I loved the two floors but couldn’t help being distracted as the youth moved about the upstairs wondering how close the edge of the floor was to their beds. Still the attention to detail and set dressing are well-executed.

Mulvey has created some diverse and amazing sets in his time at Players, even within this season, and they never disappoint.

Brighton Beach Memoirs is a lot of fun and a show you won’t want to miss.