LONDON TRIP REVIEWS

June 99

The Prisoner Of Second Avenue

  The planning of this trip to London really started when it was announced on the London Theatre Newsletter that 'The Prisoner Of Second Avenue" would be playing at The Theatre Royal Haymarket. Moreover because of the cast!  I may well be  biased as Richard Dreyfuss is one of my favourite actors, and together with Marsha Mason I realised was an opportunity not to miss. I am usually one for planning a theatre trip well in advance and to obtain a theatre ticket in advance.

Well, not this time, I decided to obtain a ticket in London from (The Half Price Ticket Booth) Leicester Square. I was only able to go for the day so I wanted to make the most of my London trip, and had also planned to go on the stage tour of The London Palladium. I got my return ticket to London Euston departing at 07:58 and arriving in London Euston at 11:15am (Simple, not quite). On my arrival at my local train station I found that my train was delayed by 45 minutes, having spoken to staff I was advise that due to a lighting strike the train had been delayed.

I eventually departed at 8:45am and was hoping to arrive at the latest 11:45, no such luck. The train was held up several times during the journey, I arrived in London Euston at 12:40 and unfortunately to late for the Palladium tour. However I made my way to Leicester Square and promptly got my ticket which was (R12 in the stalls).  I had never been in Theatre Royal Haymarket before and was a concerned about being so far back, my fears were soon at rest.

Since the performance I was attending, was the matinee at 3:00 and the time was now 1:25, I decided to have a walk round and take some pictures of the London theatres. I had sent in advance a poster of "The Prisoner Of Second Avenue" to be collected by myself at the stage door.

I called at the stage door only to find that there was a number of people waiting to see Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason, I am a great believer in not intruding in an actors space and was just leaving when Mr. Dreyfuss arrived, there was as always a surge from people trying to obtain an autograph and speak to him. I decide to leave and have a look round before the performance.

Well, time soon passes and it was 2:30, I made my way back to the theatre and took my seat I was really looking forward to seeing this play as I am also a fan of Neil Simon's work. Simon's last play in London was Laughter On The 23rd Floor at the Queens Theatre, however I saw this play at the Palace Theatre Manchester. The cast in London was lead by Gene Wilder.

Now finally for the review, The Prisoner Of Second Avenue opens in Edna and Mel Edison's living room, from this point the play grabs you literally by the throat and does not let go until the interval. A flourish of one liners are delivered at a frantic pace in the first 48 minutes of the play and some incredible comic acting ability from both Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason, are a total delight, although I suspect that Mr. Dreyfuss had the edge, (but this is probably me being biased)!

The first half of this play is dominated by the two main characters. For me there are a number of scenes that are just so well done and perfectly acted. To note just a few when 'Mel'  tells Edna that he has lost his job, but tells her four days later, after they have been robbed. Then 'Mel' is arguing with his upstairs neighbours and is soaked in water! (This was just brilliant!)

One thing I did love about this play is that it was so cleverly written and has without question stood the test of time, and produces much opportunity for the actors talents. The  48 minutes of act one slows considerably in act two, and looks more at 'Mel's' breakdown, again some fine acting has you are almost reduced to tears and really feel for Mel & Edna Edisson. Mel's sisters and brother enter the scene to try and lend a helping hand to get 'Mel' some professional help, but the key word here is how much is 'x' ?   if you have seen the play then you'll know, if not then you have missed a grate play. Mel's brother was played by Harry Ditson and his three sisters played respectively by Frances Jeater, Janette Legge & Frances Cuka, all give swift and solid performances.

However the play would certainly not have worked without the calibre of acting from Richard and Marsha, they were so perfectly for there roles. There are some fine big American film stars that truly give a grate performance, but for me though the test of a fine and versatile actor is performing on stage. Richard Dreyfuss & Marsha Mason has without question passed the test in all respects. At the end of the play the cast received a much deserved standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience myself included, it has been quite sometime since I saw a standing ovation for a play. I also think that a mention should be given to the director David Taylor for such a splendid piece and a clever set design by Simon Higlett.

Well, having seen a great play well performed I can honestly say that all the underlying problems of my trip were worth it all...

(30th June 1999/ Gary Mack/GMack24524@aol.com)