IN BRIEF
‘Roommates’ premieres at playhouse July 13

The First Avenue Playhouse, 123 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands, will present the winning play of its annual playwright’s contest Roommates from July 13-Aug. 4. Show time is 8:30 p.m., with a matinee on July 22 at 2:30 p.m.

The comedy was written by Joseph Simonelli and is a modern-day Odd Couple. Simonelli won the playwright’s contest last year with The Next Time Around.

Price for the dinner show package is $29. Regular tickets are $10 for Thursday evening performances and senior admissions; and $18 for Friday and Saturday shows. For information or reservations, call the theater at (732) 291-7552.

Support groups offered at Monmouth Medical

Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch, is offering several free group meetings during the month of July.

"Improve Your Smile: Cosmetic Dental Techniques" presented by Marsha E. Rubin will take place July 23 from 7-9 p.m. For information or to register, call 870-5500.

The "Smoke Free" support group will meet July 24 from 7-9 p.m. Individuals suffering with hepatitis C may join the support group on July 25 from 7-9 p.m.

Monmouth Medical will also offer free tours of its Eisenberg Family Center on July 8 and 22 at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, call the center at 923-6990.

Relay for Life raises $15,000 for research

The recent American Cancer Society "Relay for Life" at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft section of Middletown, raised approximately $15,000 to support cancer society research. The proceeds will also be used for local education, advocacy and patient service programs.

The event drew more than 1,000 people, including 89 cancer survivors, who turned out to walk or run, relay-style.

The event was supported by Builder’s General Supply Co., Little Silver; and Lomurro Davison, Eastman and Munoz law firm, Freehold Township.

For information about Relay for Life, call the ACS at 1-800-227-2345.

Monmouth U. to present

‘The Odd Couple’

Monmouth University, Route 71, West Long Branch, will present the Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple from July 14-15 at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre. Performance times are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12 and $15, with special discounts for students and seniors.

Director John J. Burke will follow the female version of the classic by replacing Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar with Florence Madison and Olive Ungar. The Pigeon sisters will now be the Constanzuela brothers.

For more information or ticket prices, call the box office at (732) 263-5730.