THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVE Opens Tonight at ProArts Playhouse in Kihei

ProArts presents Neil Simon's "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" as the second show of their Spring season.

It's 1971. Mel Edison is a well-paid executive of a high-end Manhattan firm, which has suddenly hit the skids, and he gets the ax. His wife, Edna, takes a job to tide them over, then she too is sacked. Compounded by the air-pollution killing his plants, and with the walls of the apartment being paper-thin, allowing him a constant ear full of his neighbors private lives, things can't seem to get any worse. Then he's robbed, and his psychiatrist dies with $23,000 of his money. Mel does the only thing left for him to do-he has a nervous breakdown and it's the best thing that ever happened to him. It is now up to the loving care of his brother Harry, his sisters and Edna to bring Mel back to a firm reality.

"The Prisoner of Second Avenue" features the best of Maui talent including John Peterson as the long-suffering Mel; Jennifer Rose as his devoted wife, Edna; Lee Garrow as his older brother, Harry; and Marilynn Hirashima, Beth Garrow and Barbara Sedano as his loving by slightly confused sisters.

The show is directed by Kristi Scott, with costumes designed by Sarah Loney, scenery created by Caro Walker and lighting provided by Bonnie Prucha. ProArts productions are produced by Jonathan Lehman.

Opening night is tonight, May 3 and the show runs until May 19. It plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm (no show on 5/5). ProArts offers reserved seats at $20.00. Kama'ina nights, with discounts for Hawaii residents, are scheduled for Saturday, May 4, and Thursdays, May 9 and 16.

The intimate ProArts Playhouse is located at the Azeka (Makai) Shopping Center, 1280 S. Kihei Rd. in Kihei, Maui. The Playhouse is air conditioned with 82 reserved seats. There is free parking, plenty of nearby restaurants, and an art gallery inside currently featuring the works of Pat Masumoto and Caro Walker.

"The Prisoner of Second Avenue" is suitable for all audiences. Call 463-6550 for tickets or more information.

Pro-Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting the highest quality productions for Maui audiences.

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