
Neil Simon’s first produced play, the comedy “Come Blow Your Horn,” will be presented by Downers Grove’s community theater, Grove Players, for two weekends, opening Friday, April 24, and running through Sunday, May 3.
All shows take place in the auditorium at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available at the door, or may be reserved ahead by calling the box office at (630) 415-3682. More information on the show or on Grove Players can be obtained by calling that number or by visiting www.groveplayers.org.
Visiting a Web site would not be a typical activity in a 1960s bachelor pad, which is the setting of the play. Moreover, Felix Ungar of “Odd Couple” fame is not quite in Neil Simon’s “Come Blow Your Horn” — he is an offstage character — but one could say it is an odd couple that takes center stage.
That couple would be brothers Alan and Buddy Baker, respectively played by Sean O’Neil of Naperville and Scott A. Miller of Chicago. Alan, the older brother, is a playboy, a “man about town.” Buddy, just 21, is totally inexperienced with the opposite sex. Numerous comedic situations occur as a result of this marked contrast in the brothers’ personalities and experience.
Further adding to the humor is the appearance of the boys’ father, who shows up in pursuit of his younger son shortly after Buddy has left home for his older brother’s apartment. Mr. Baker is portrayed by Larry Horn of Wheaton, while Mrs. Baker is played by Cynthia Katz Geske of Naperville.
Other cast members are Lillian L’Amour of Carol Stream, who plays Peggy Evans, and Susan O’Byrne of Downers Grove, who plays Connie Dayton. The role of Aunt Gussie belongs to a special mystery celebrity, whose identity will be revealed to audiences only during the play.
The show is directed by Rich Gannon of Naperville, who also is this year’s recipient of the Spotlight Award given by the American Association of Community Theaters.


