BWW Reviews: CHAPTER TWO - A BIG*****HIT!

by Neil Simon
Directed by Eric Edington
Assistant Director - James Cass
April 19th, 2013 at 8 P.M.

The theatrical barre has been set to new heights, with "CHAPTER TWO", the current production at the Carrollwood Players. - a BIG*****HIT!
From the fine performances and direction, to the stellar set and lighting design, this production is FIRST RATE.

I had to remind myself several times, that this was a community theatre production, performed by volunteers, who give their time and talents for free, as a "labor of love". This Carrollwood Players production of "CHAPTER TWO" is comparable to any professional regional production.
BRAVO!...2 Thumbs UP!...and 5 Stars!

"CHAPTER TWO" is a classic Neil Simon play, about the ups and downs of "Life", set in New York City, complete with big city, neurotic behavior. There are also localized references, for example, to Con Edison (the New York electric company), that just add to the typical flavor, of Neil Simon's comic repartee.

The story revolves around depressed, recent widower, spy novelist, George Schneider. His younger brother, Leo, fixes him up on a date with a recently divorced, soap opera actress, Jennie Malone. Although neither of them is ready for a relationship, it is love at first sight; and the pair experiences the bumpy road of life together, as the story unfolds.

"CHAPTER TWO", Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical play, opened on Broadway in 1977, and ran for 857 performances. The cast included Judd Hirsch as George, Anita Gillette as Jennie, Cliff Gorman as Leo, and Ann Wedgeworth as Faye. The play had four, 1978 Tony Award nominations for Best Play, Anita Gillette (Best Actress in a Play), Cliff Gorman (Best Featured Actor in a Play), and Ann Wedgeworth won the Tony Award, for (Best Featured Actress in a Play).
In 1979, the film adaptation of the play starred James Caan and Marsha Mason, (Neil Simon's wife at the time), on whom he based the role of Jennie Malone.

The lights fade up on the "split stage" set. Stage left is the sophisticated, large, elegantly appointed, bi-level, lower Central Park West apartment of George Schneider. Stage right is the small, cozy, homespun, upper east side apartment, of Jennie Malone. Both apartments were dressed with appropriately vintage properties, reminiscent of the late 1970's.

The well-rehearsed cast is to be commended, for keeping up the comic pace and the energy of the production. There was never a dull moment. "CHAPTER TWO" is not an all-encompassing HA,HA,HA, script. It's a serio-comedy, an ambitious undertaking for a community theatre. There is no doubt that Neil Simon is a brilliant playwright, but unless you have a superior, talented cast and director, it could all go down the tubes. And in this Carrollwood Players production...everyone understands the script, and the message, and everyone SHINES!

Nathan Sakovich gives an honest, solid, and compassionate performance as Leo, George's womanizing, Press Agent brother. He is handsome, articulate, comedic, and he plays the "straight guy" with gusto. Mr. Sakovich's compelling monologue in Act II is simply, captivating. Bravo!

As Faye Medwick, Jennie's long time best friend and colleague, Erica Heiden bursts onstage with a thick, tight-lipped, southern accent; spitting out each line with a fierce, comedic attack. Her comic timing, with her one line zingers is spot on. Miss. Heiden is a firecracker!
Her flirtatious scenes with Leo were a comedy highlight. Bravo!

Vivienne Brown as Jennie Malone lives the role. Miss Brown is radiant. She is so honest and sincere and unassuming in her portrayal, that you forget that you are watching an "actor" onstage. She is so real to life. Miss. Brown gives an unforgettable, incandescent, performance. Bravo!

Marc Sanders as George Schneider gives the performance of his career in this production. His character is multi-faceted, beautifully layered, and well thought out. Mr. Sanders knows how to get every last drop out of Neil Simon's dialogue and he does it in spades. He has the comedic rhythm of the script down pat and his facial expressions only add to his brilliant performance. Bravo!

This is a superb cast, assembled by and under the very gifted direction of Eric Edington. Mr. Edington keeps the show moving and his staging is very natural, yet clever, and innovative at the same time. He thoroughly understands the script; Mr. Edington directed the comedy segments to hilarious success. He gently guided the touching and dramatic scenes, with sensitivity and vulnerability. Bravo!

The stunning set design and dressing by James Cass, along with Frank Stinehour's lighting design an costumes by Chris Dietz brought it all together to make this a 5 star production! ~ BRAVO!

*For mature audiences

"CHAPTER TWO" runs April 12th through May 4th, 2013
Ticket Prices $18.00 There are special Student/Military and Senior discounts are available upon request
CALL - (813) 265-4000
The theatre is located at 4335 Gunn Hwy Tampa, Fl, 33618
The next production at Carrollwood Players is "LEND ME A TENOR", May 17th - June 8th, 2013

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