Press Contact
Mark Shapiro
858-578-7728
pr@scrippsranchtheatre.org

Show opens May 15 and runs through June 13, 2009

Chapter Two is Neil Simon’s most autobiographical work, inspired by his difficulty committing to his second marriage after the death of his first wife.  A “dramatic comedy,” Chapter Two mines the emotional challenges of surviving the loss of a great love and partner and the scary re-entry into the dating scene at middle age. Simon creates humor from the lives and troubles of four flawed, likeable people with whom we can immediately identify. The play is considered one of Simon’s finest works, and with it, he achieved both audience and critical acclaim.

We are all familiar with Simon’s typically witty plays, but Chapter Two is a richer, more engrossing tale. It’s a rocky road for two not-so-young lovers in Simon’s semi-autobiographical play. Laughter and heartache mix as a recent widower and divorcée struggle to commit or not to commit.

Scripps Ranch Theatre is pleased to have the experienced actor and director, Craig Huisenga, as the director of Chapter Two. Newcomers to SRT (but not to acting) are Howard Bickle Jr., who plays George; Sven Salumaa, who plays George’s brother; and Amy Fritsche, who plays Jennie – the woman who manages to administer emotional CPR to George. Michelle DeFrancesco returns to SRT as Faye, Jennie’s brassy best friend. Fran Palmer and Lizzie Mander are producing.  

According to director Craig Huisenga, “What drew me to Chapter Two is the universality of the characters' experiences.  At some point in our lives, we all have to turn the page and start a new chapter. The beauty of this play is that it shows how funny and painful and painfully funny that process can be.”

“Neil Simon is the world’s most successful playwright and has earned more Academy Academy Awards and Tony nominations than any other writer,” said Jill Drexler, Scripps Ranch Theatre Artistic Director. “He is the only playwright who has ever had four Broadway productions running simultaneously.”

Seats for individual shows are available for $19. Students, seniors and active military seats are $17. The play is rated “PG.”

All performances are held in the Legler Benbough Theatre on the campus of Alliant International University (formerly United States International University) on Avenue of Nations in Scripps Ranch, one-half mile east of the I-15/Miramar-Pomerado Road exit.

Performances will be on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. For more information and reservations please check the Website www.scrippsranchtheatre.org or call 858-578-7728. Scripps Ranch Theatre encourages patrons to make reservations early as performances sell out quickly. 

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