Laughs, Neurotic Behavior Charge Ahead in "Play it Again, Sam" at Lakewood Playhouse

If you're looking for a few good laughs, take a friend, date or family member and watch "Play it Again, Sam" at the .

It's an easy plot to follow. Alex Smith plays a mentally unstable writer (Allan Felix) divorced by his wife. The comedic romance features Humphrey Bogart (Matt Garry) as Felix's split personality, providing ill-tempered advice on how to win over the ladies.

Attending comedic plays may become more of a hobby for me. I laughed through most of the 90-minute show. The Playhouse assembles a fun group of actors in the 1972 play originally written by Woody Allen.

Felix has two best friends—a married couple that tries to reinvigorate his dating skills. The dialogue presents humorous examples of the single-man dynamic desperately trying to find another mate.

But meeting a woman terrifies Felix. His confidence level reaches a new low.

Much of "Play it Again, Sam" takes place in Felix's apartment, a '70s-style room with shag rug carpet and other props setting the play up for the disco era.

One of the messages clearly told in the play is that relationships from time to time can be boring, but having a person to share life with takes precedence. Struggling to meet a woman who accepts him for the person he is, Felix begins spending time with his best friend's wife—Linda Christie, played by Alison Monda.

By mistake, Felix finds himself involved in the middle of a sticky predicament with no positive support from Bogart, who urges him to take chances and go for the gold.

The script does a good job of getting inside the head of Felix, who is insecure about his future and recent divorce. The play scores with an upbeat vibe and quality acting.

Twelve actors complete the cast. Alan Wilkie directs the play, which runs through Feb. 12. Visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org for show times and more information.