This North Coast Weekend

North Coast Rep opens the Neil Simon comedy, Laughter on the 23rd Floor. In a way it’s a sequel to Simon’s autobiographical trilogy (Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, Broadway Bound) since it is based on his “big break” job, writing for the early 1950s television hit, Your Show of Shows, starring Sid Caesar. NCRT’s production opens on Thursday, January 26, as the usual benefit for cast and crew. It runs through February 18. Information and tickets: 442-6278, www.ncrt.net.

The Young Actors’ Guild juniors and seniors of Northcoast Prep present Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale: A Retelling, directed by Jean Heard Bazemore. It’s a limited run—just Friday and Saturday (Jan. 27 & 28) at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. It’s at the Arkley Center in Eureka, which is also handling the tickets at the box office, by phone (442-1956) or online (arkleycenter.com)--but be advised, there’s a hefty service charge for online purchase.