Theater Review: 'The Prisoner of Second Avenue'

To understand Neil Simon you have to look for the truth and beauty underneath the words.

There is no better example than The Prisoner of Second Avenue, now running through May 15 at the in the NoHo Arts District.

Leading the way in this story of working class angst and struggle on New York City’s Upper East Side in 1971 is Jason Alexander, who gives a powerhouse performance that edges comedy ever closer to tragedy.

Alexander plays Mel Edison, a 47-year-old office worker whose summer is turned upside down when he is fired, robbed and suffers a nervous breakdown partly caused by his surroundings.

Gina Hecht (Edna Edison) also stirs the Simon pot with a sensitive and accurate portrayal of a woman who, while loving and supporting her husband, tries to hold onto her own sanity.

Alexander’s passion and stage presence give Simon’s dialogue a dignity, grit and realism that only help get across the pain and anguish the human condition can bring.

This is not a play about New York City as much as it is about triumphing over adversity and the isolation and fear which love and paranoia bring.

The Edisons are indeed prisoners not so much of their circumstances, but their minds and attitudes.

About that Simon leaves no question.

The supporting cast is stellar. They leave no emotional or spiritual leaf unturned.

Chief among the four is Ron Orbach as Mel’s brother, Harry. Orbach’s comic timing and energy move along his every scene.

Annie Korzen (Pearl), Deedee Rescher (Pauline) and Carole Ita White (Jessie) as Mel’s sisters all give convincing, vital and edgy performances that will long be remembered.

Director Glenn Casale deserves much of the credit for the rhythm and feel of the play. No pregnant pauses, missed lines or garbled words mar this existential journey of courage over  doubt.

In the end, this Prisoner has a soul no walls or bars can confine.

- 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood

One 15-Minute Intermission, (818) 508-0281

For a full listing of all current and upcoming local stage productions, check the .