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Review by Kathy Carpenter, Associate/Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com
May 26, 2016 (La Mesa) - Do you believe in second chances? Neil Simon’s plays are semi- biographical; for Simon, perfect love happened twice. In Chapter Two, it happens for George Schneider, who loses his wife an early death and Jennie Malone who married the wrong man.
Blending the drama of life's difficult times with love and laughter is not an easy story to write. Many storytellers have used this formula. Neil Simon was a pioneer who mastered the technique.
Four actors brought this funny and heartwarming story of George and Jennie to life. These four portrayed Simon's characters to a tee--believable and endearing.
Steve Murdock played George, a writer who lost his wife, a man who does not want to move on. George Bailey plays his brother Leo, who is also married, but not so committed. He and Lolly Boroff, Jennie's friend, do a wonderful job bringing the humorous moments to the play. Devi Noel plays Jennie. Devi and Steve do an excellent job of phone banter as they build their relationship.
The production includes a nice, divided set with two New York apartments--different life styles for two different individuals, bringing a nice contrast as they come together. This show had a lot of short scenes followed by blackouts. I really love the music they played to keep the mood going. It's all about the tone, and Larry Steckling, director, knows this well.
This show finishes the season over at Lamplighters Community Theatre in La Mesa, running May 13 through June 12. They will open their 79th season with The Dixie Swim Club on July 8th in a mid-summer play. For tickets for these plays and for Chapter Two, you can email boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com, visit lamplighterslamesa.com, or call 619-303-5092.
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