Panache Productions, Springfield, MA
through March 23, 2014
by Eric Johnson
Like many Neil Simon plays, this one is set in NYC, and
features a neurotic leading male character on the verge of a life crisis. And,
it’s really funny.
Mel Edison is living in a time and place when “job security”
is more or less an oxymoron, recession is wreaking havoc on the economy, and
the radio is rife with would-be prophets spewing forth conspiracy theories and
touting that they know who is to blame for the plight of the middle class.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Director Mark Ekenbarger makes an interesting production
choice in giving the audience no solid clues as to what era the action takes
place. There is even one recorded sound snippet that suggests an alternate
reality.
Gene Choquette in the lead role carries a great deal of
experience to the stage, and it shows. Mel Edison is a complex character and
Choquette is a very entertaining and engaging actor. He handles the moods,
madness, and humor of Edison’s life crisis quite ably. Mel’s wife Edna, played
by Deb Libera, is a multifaceted character as well. The audience sees Edna
transition from housewife to breadwinner, and empathize with her pain as Mel’s
downward spiral accelerates. Supporting cast John Toms, Marge Huba, Stephanie
Chertoff, and Linda McLaren (Mel’s sisters and brother) have a nice scene in
which they discuss how (and how much) they can help their brother through this.
The criticisms one might have of this production are few and
vary in impact, but, number one is pace. While not a farce, this comedy still
demands a very strong, fast pace and comic timing which isn’t quite met
throughout the piece, especially in the scene with the rest of the family.
"Getting a word in edgewise” doesn’t appear to be that much of a
challenge.
Overall, this production of "Prisoner of Second
Avenue" is a very entertaining evening of theatre, and really funny.
