Chapter Two at North Coast REP
A cathartic experience between mourning and love
Article by Alejandra Enciso Guzmán
Men have the reputation for moving on at a faster pace than women. (Sorry fellas. Reputation follows you). Whether a break up from a relationship or a marriage, another female will occupy the former partner’s place in a relatively short amount of time. Generally speaking, off course there always will be exceptions.
North Coast Rep’s current production Chapter Two, illustrates this same point with a nice cathartic twist. Written by Neil Simon, based on events in his life, audiences will see two married brothers George (Artistic Director David Ellenstein) and Leo (Louis Lotorto). George a recently widowed man, was happily married to Barbara for more than a decade while Leo, has struggled with monogamy his whole marriage. Not knowing how to deal with his loss, George takes a long trip to Europe (hara-kiri style) revisiting the sites he once enjoyed with his wife. When he comes back home, the mourn kicks in harder leaving George in a very sad stage. His brother, a publicist in the acting business, tries to set him up on several dates that end in disaster; having George long for Barbara even more.
Jennie (Jaquelyn Ritz) and Faye (Mhari Sandoval) actresses and best friends, are coping with their own marital business as well as the boys. Jennie recently divorced from Gus after five years, is still dizzy and confused from all the turmoil; Faye is trying to make her marriage work… Leo, relentless on finding a perfect suitor for Barbara, decides to set George up with Jennie. An accidental phone call scales from a date (minutes later) to marriage two weeks after. Everything is oats and honey until George’s mourning really sets in. A very clear and real message about love, relationships and loss is what people will enjoy from Chapter Two as well as extraordinary portrayals by the cast co-directed by Christopher Williams and David Ellenstein who is wearing two hats in this production. With the stage management of Ryan Ford.
The rhythm is fast paced changing the plot with various surprises throughout the piece. It is almost like being in a live taping of a sitcom; Chris Leusmann’s Sound Design will have patrons feeling nostalgic and even like a commercial is coming up while remembering other comedies.
It definitely has that Neil Simon’s multi-awarded touch. The man has been married five times…
As always with North Coast Rep productions, the set is detailed and sassy under the design of Marty Burnett and lighting design by Matt Novotny. Alina Bokovikova is responsible for the Costume Design, Benjamin Cole with Props and Peter Hermann in charge of Hair and Wigs.
This is a play to see with the girlfriends or go out with the ‘crew’ and make an evening (or matinee) out of the experience. Seriously not to be missed. A great balance between comedy and plausible marriage/relationship matters.
Chapter Two will be playing at the North Coast Rep theatre in Solana Beach until Sunday, March 22nd.
Week night ticket prices are $44.00 dollars. Saturday matinees & Sunday nights are $41.00 dollars
Saturday nights & Sunday matinees are $48.00 dollars. Talkback Friday March 6th after the show.
DISCOUNTS: Seniors, Students, Military $3.00 dollars off admission.
For tickets please call the box office at: (858) 481-1055 or visit: www.northcoastrep.org
