Audiences just seem to love Neil Simon! Lakeside Little Theatre’s “Chapter Two” is a romantic comedy and one that many people here can relate to.
Simon’s works tend to be autobiographical and this play is definitely based on his relationship with his second wife Marsha Mason. Most likely some of the dialogue and issues reflect actual events.
The scene is Midtown Manhattan in the 1970’s. The set is interesting as it simultaneously shows the apartments of the two main characters: George Schneider, a novelist, and Jennie Malone, an actress.
George Schneider, played by Kevin Leitch, and his brother Leo Schneider, played by Zane Pumiglia, open the show. George has just returned from a European trip he took to relive the memories where he and his late wife vacationed years earlier. He had a long, happy marriage and is having a difficult time adjusting to his recent loss. While Leo is there, George relates receiving a phone call from a woman he hardly knows suggesting a date. George is appalled by the aggressiveness of women in his time of grief. His brother explains that pickings are slim for older women and they have to act fast when a new man enters the scene. While George isn’t ready for dating, Leo however feels it’s time for George to get on with life.
After several bizarre blind dates arranged by Leo, George is done – comfortable in his self-pity and grief. Leo tries again by giving George a slip of paper with a phone number of a girl he recently met urging George to call her. Days later George mistakenly calls the number thinking it’s the phone number he wrote down for a business contact.
In the other apartment, Jennie Malone, played by Michele Lococo, has just arrived home from an island trip. Her best friend Faye Medwick, played by Collette Clavadetscher, has just delivered her from the airport. Jennie is recently divorced and grieving about the wasted years she spent with her louse of a husband. She’s content to spend her immediate life concentrating on her acting career and getting her head together.
The phone call comes and as expected the two main players meet.
This story is about working through the past and falling in love again. The dialogue is humorous while dealing with serious doubts, unresolved grief and adjustments.
A side plot in this play is the attempt of Faye and Leo at having an adulterous affair. The scenes between the two players are hysterical. Their timing and facial expressions, having been caught, almost “in flagrante delicto,” are priceless.
Phil Shepherd is the director of this show. He has been an assistant director and then a director for two past productions for LLT.
Kevin Leitch plays the male lead, George Schneider. This is his second appearance on the LLT stage. He has also performed at Naked Stage.
Michele Lococo makes her debut at LLT as Jennie Malone. She performed on stage in college and in community theater years ago. She is very active in many organizations and volunteering here at Lakeside.
Zane Pumiglia has the male supporting role as Leo Schneider. He did an excellent portrayal of a nice guy, but with no conscience about cheating on his wife. His accent and mannerisms were on spot and made his character very believable.
Faye Medwick was convincingly played by Collette Clavadetscher. She delivered her snappy lines with the right New York attitude. Collette has been in 11 LLT productions and also many Naked Stage readings.
My only quibble is that the arrogant sharpness we fondly expect of Neil Simon’s lead characters was somewhat lost. This could be understood given that I saw a dress rehearsal early this week due to the deadline considerations of this newspaper. Hopefully, by opening night the actors will have embraced the personalities of their characters more comprehensibly.
The interesting set was designed and decorated by Phil Shepherd and Ruth Kear. Congratulations to the crews who did a wonderful job with the construction and painting.
Johanna Clark selected the wardrobe and several dressers assisted the actors before going on stage. Nancy Jessop and her crew applied the make-up. Many people were involved with the props, lighting and sound.
Recognition goes to the efforts of Stage Manager Debra Bowers, Assistant Stage Manager Beth Leitch and Production Assistant Hallie Shepherd.
“Chapter Two” opens Friday, December 2 and runs through Sunday, December 11. Tickets can be purchased one hour before show time at the box office, and from 10 a.m. to noon on all show days, except Sunday. The price is 200 pesos. Show times are 7:30 p.m., except when matinees are 3 p.m. on the first Saturday and both Sundays. The theater is dark on Monday.