News from Woodinville Rep:
Update Performances of Chapter Two cancelled
If you have bought tickets for those last two weekends, you are welcome to use them this weekend. You can let us know by calling Charley Blaine at 425-891-6785 or the Woodinville Rep voice-mail system at 425-835-2789 or emailing us at or on our Facebook page.
For this final weekend of our show, we are following all the protocols and guidelines to keep our patrons, cast and crew safe. Check the Facebook page
Woodinville Reparatory Theatre’s production of Chapter Two is a heartfelt exploration of one man’s grief, and the indirect effects it has on the people around him. Written in 1977 by Neil Simon, the play closely mirrors the playwright’s struggle after losing his wife. There is a very personal and vulnerable exploration of emotions within the show reflecting Simon’s feelings proceeding to this tragic event.
Jeff Pettiross plays George Schneider, a novelist attempting to move on after the death of his wife. His brother Leo arranges several dates for him, all to spectacular failure. It is not until George begins talking to Jennie Malone (Niki Flynn), a recently divorced actress, where his life begins a second chapter. This story while simple, carries with it both amazing comedic moments and dramatic scenes. It would certainly be challenging for a director to make sure these characters are not pulled too much in either tonal direction. This is perhaps best illustrated through the character Leo, performed by Josiah Miller. Opening up the show, this character had all the potential to be so well-timed comedically that it would be detrimental to more serious moments. Furthermore, in the first act, I was worried that Pettiross’s performance of George would be too subdued and awkward to be a convincing romantic lead.
Needless to say, as the show carried on, I found myself to be completely wrong. I was floored by Miller’s wonderfully nuanced performance as Leo. One particular monologue towards the end of the show was so moving, it brought me close to tears. As for Pettiross, his character proved to also be relatable, heartbreaking and extremely endearing. For a character who changes from emotionally unavailable, to awkward and silly, I was fully invested in every moment along his journey.
The center of the show, however, was Niki Flynn as Jennie Malone. Flynn is currently recovering from a sports accident, meaning she had to use a leg walker throughout the show. This walker, however, became virtually invisible within the first scene. Jennie is a fascinating character: a woman constantly trying to please everyone, caught up in the emotional difficulties of George’s transition after the loss of his wife. Although her character was primarily based in comic relief, I could not help laughing excitedly every moment Jennie’s friend Faye was onstage. Megan Becker brings such chaotic energy to the performance that perfectly complimented the other actors onstage. All of this is to show the versatility of director Hjalmer Anderson in being able to nail both these dramatic and comedic moments so brilliantly.
The actors were all so dedicated and enveloped in their roles that it was simply a delight to learn more about these characters which the audience comes to care so deeply for. Things that I thought might be an issue in the performance, turned out to be intentional traits, leading to a greater understanding of a character’s faults. I believe this is explained best in the provided director’s notes: “one of the show’s most appealing qualities is that all the characters are flawed…” There is no character objectively right or wrong, they simply are themselves. And the very fact that while writing this review, I have had such trouble differentiating the performances from the characters, is just a sign as to how much work and passion went into this production.
I had the pleasure of seeing Woodinville Reparatory Theatre’s performance of Lend Me a Tenor last October. In that show, I praised the performances for being over-the-top, while remaining believable and sympathetic. I am pleased to say that Chapter Two continued this level of quality which I have come to expect of this wonderful theater. I would highly recommend seeing Chapter Two and giving this production the support it deserves.
“Chapter Two”, by Neil Simon. Woodinville Repertory Theatre, Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts. March 6th through 29th, 2020. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm.
Tickets Available At: http://www.woodinvillerep.org/chapter-two/