"Chapter Two" Hits Bellmore Theater

If art imitates life, then Neil Simon's play "Chapter Two" can be said to reflect a dim but cautiously hopeful attitude towards romantic relationships.

The theme did not escape the attention of Frank DiSpigno, who both directed and performed in Plaza Theatrical Productions' rendition of the play at the Bellmore Movie Theater.

"The state of matrimony in this country is a disgrace," DiSpigno said. "That's the single biggest dynamic I wanted to explore, because it's real."

Together, the cast of four - consisting of Gary Tifeld as George Schneider, Rebecca Sharpe as Jenny Malone, Cathy Chimenti as Faye Medwick and DiSpigno as Leo Schneider - pulled off a mature and believable performance of a comedic but emotionally challenging work.

The play focuses on novelist and new widower George Schneider, mourning the recent loss of his wife. George reluctantly begins to date again at the urging of his brother Leo, who arranges a series of terrible dates. Across town, recent divorcee Jenny is also being pushed by her friend Faye to date again. Of course George and Jenny meet, and a predictable but uplifting love ensues during Act I. The second act, however, is severely unpredictable.

Sharpe's portrayal of Jenny was particularly on point, while Tifeld's George alternated between brooding and bright. Both were appealingly realistic as strikingly average individuals each coping with their own past romantic lives. Chimenti and DiSpigno added a certain lightness when the play was in danger of becoming too dark.

A fifth character makes a frequent appearance. That character's name? Silence. DiSpigno's well-directed moments of absolute quiet resonated as loudly as the dialogue, charging the production with tension in all the right places.

The Tony-nominated "Chapter Two" debuted on Broadway in 1977, but was smartly updated to a more current setting by this cast.

"I feel like I could relate to the character a little more as a result of that," Sharpe said. "It was relevant."

The most questionable aspects of the performance had little to do with the actors and more to do with the structure of the play itself. Some of the most important transitions seemed to happen offstage, in between the scenes, leaving viewers confused at times.

Sunday's performance was well-attended by a middle-aged and older crowd, with many complimenting its quality.

"The acting was terrific...They worked so well as an ensemble," said Pat Lee, a longtime Bellmore resident who now lives in Richmond Hill.

Dolores Vitulli, of Bayside, most enjoyed the scenes between Leo and Faye. Otherwise, she "found it a little slow moving," she said.

"Chapter Two" will conclude its run at the Bellmore Theater with a 2 p.m. show on Sunday, May 2, a performance which will feature Erin Sforza as Jenny and Bobbie Ruth as Faye. Tickets are $20 apiece. Click here for more information.

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