Neil Simon's THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE Plays Francis Wilson 5/21-5/24

Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue at Francis Wilson Playhouse. Mel Edison can't take it any more!

Pat Clark directs the amazingly talented duo of Bill Harber and Mary Kay Cyrus as Mel and Edna Edison, with outstanding support from John Clark, Rosalyn Savel, Brenda Martin and Judy Becker. Liz Werlin excels as stage manager, as usual aided and abetted by Mike and Mike. Andy Rufo lit Jim Demetrius' set. Dianna Hanger melds Producer and Light and Sound Tech with grace.

The Prisoner of Second Avenue explores the devastating effects that life can sometimes have on a middle-aged couple during a downturn in the economy. That might sound like a statement regarding today's climate, but the year is actually 1971 when New York City was beset by financial problems, high crime, and strikes. It is easy to compare that era, which was so hard on Mel and Edna Edison, to the one inhabited by struggling families today. Mel copes the only way he knows how - he rants, he raves and he throws tantrums! When Edna confronts him... "You either live with it or you get out," he counters with the finest quote of the play, "If you are a human being you reserve the right to complain, to protest. When you give up that right, you don't exist anymore." Mel's right... it's okay to question, its okay to complain - it doesn't mean you don't love and support those around you. When Mel ultimately caves, it is Edna's unwavering loyalty and devotion and his siblings' support that bring him back. Neil Simon's abundant humor amidst Mel's somber situation in Prisoner reminds us to appreciate the loved ones who stand by us and to sidestep those who don't.

Please join us!
May 21 through May 24, 2009

Box office 727-446-1360
Thursday - Saturday doors open at 7pm and curtain rises at 8pm
Sunday matinee doors open at 1pm and curtain rises at 2pm
Tickets are $20 (students $10)

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