Date: Fri 19-Sep-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Proposals-Simon-Shubert-April

Full Text:

(rev "Proposals" @Shubert, 9/19/97)

Theatre Review-

Wonderful New Simon At The "New" Shubert

(with photo)

By June April

NEW HAVEN - Neil Simon was sitting in the back row, next to a pillar, at the

newly renovated Shubert Theatre in New Haven last Tuesday night, watching the

opening night performance of his newest play, Proposals . The frequent

laughter of the audience and the swell of applause at the end of the show

clearly stated that the charming and witty man had once again created another

successful production.

As distinctly American as apple pie, playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon

still has his pen on the pulse of the human condition, and has the gift and

skills to make people laugh. Born on the 4th of July some 70 years ago, Mr

Simon is a living legacy.

First writing for the radio in the 1940s, Mr Simon jumped into the then-infant

medium of television. Classics we still enjoy today, such as the Jackie

Gleason and Phil Silvers shows (and of course, the incomparable Sid Cesear

show) bear Mr Simon's humorous mark of craftsmanship.

One characteristic of a Neil Simon play is how readily it translates to other

media. The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park, California and Plaza Suites, the

autobiographical Biloxi Blues, Brighton Beach Memoirs , etc, work effectively

whether on stage, screen or television. Proposals , his latest, has the

inherent promise of being seen one day at the cinema.

Proposals focuses on a family that has been separated by a divorce because the

husband was too busy making more money rather than spending time with his

family. It all comes together over a lunch, with lovers and former lovers

dropping in and running about. It is a tender look at relationships and needs

and the dynamic of people coming together, and growing up and moving apart.

The set, designed by John Lee Beatty, received a justifiable round of applause

as the curtain rose Tuesday evening. It was beautifully enhanced by the skills

of lighting designer Brian MacDevitt.

The bucolic setting in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania was coupled with

the attire of the 50s (nice work by costume designer Jane Greenwood). The

audience was transported to a familiar past, filled with universal experiences

of human joy, pain, loss and love.

A first-rate cast is beautifully and sensitively directed by Joe Mantello.

Playing the confused and angry daughter Josie Hines, Suzanne Creyer is

vulnerable and loving. Kelly Bishop is frustrated and defensive as the former

"Mrs Hines, now remarried to a Mr Robbins."

The funny, ditzy, almost-model Samii is sensitively played by Katie Finneran

with a great sense of comic timing. Acting as narrator and family link is L.

Scott Caldwell. As Clemma Diggins, she is the glue that holds the show

together, and has zingy one-liners that keep salient points in the forefront

of this family fare.

The five male roles are also filled with top-notch actors. Watching Ron

Rifkin, Josie's father, suffer the anguish of losing out on a marriage and

working to build a relationship with his daughter is totally believable and

will undoubtedly find some empathetic audience ears. The three suitors for

Josie's attention are Ray, played by Matt Letscher; Ken, her rejected fiancee,

perfectly portrayed by Reg Rogers; and the uniquely outrageous Vinnie,

delightfully acted by Peter Rini.

As Clemma's long-lost husband Lewis, Mel Winkler is carefully consistent in

his handling of his physical ailments.

The only criticism this reviewer humbly offers is that the play be shortened a

little. The second act, towards the end, is somewhat redundant and for a short

time the show slows down a little. Nevertheless, Proposals provides a

memorable, entertaining and pleasurable evening. This reviewer would certainly

see Proposals again.

This was a most auspicious opening, or more accurately, re - opening. Owing to

successful efforts by the "Save the Shubert Campaign," the 83-year old

institution has been renovated and repaired. Theatre-lovers now have a place,

which is an integral part of the American theatre tradition, to enjoy and

experience Broadway and pre-Broadway shows, dance, opera and instrumental

groups.

The Shubert is more comfortable than ever, with a new sound system, new

carpeting and fresh paint throughout, and a larger (thank you very much)

ladies room.

Proposals continues through Sunday, September 28. It opens next in Washington,

DC, at the Kennedy Center and then in October opens on Broadway at the

Broadhurst Theater. Tickets can be purchased from the Shubert box office or by

calling 800/228-6622.