Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs" premieres April 3 at Neely Auditorium. The play depicts Simon's family during the Great Depression.

"ǃÚBrighton Beach Memoirs' depicts the life of an ordinary American family struggling during the Great Depression - an issue uncomfortably familiar to many of us now in this so-called time of recession," said Terryl Hallquist, professor and director of the play. "This award-winning play provides comical insight and refreshing positivism for these troubled times of salary freezes, personnel layoffs and budget reductions."

The play will be performed on at 8 p.m. on April 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. on April 5. Admission is free for undergraduates, $7 for graduate and professional students and $10 for the general public. Tickets are available beginning March 30 at the Neely Auditorium box office.