Meet The Cast

The Prisoner of Second Avenue

 A Comedy

By Neil Simon

Directed by Pat Clark

 May 14-24, 2009

A Note from the Director

The Prisoner of Second Avenue explores the devastating effects that life can sometimes have on a middle-aged couple during a downturn in the economy.  That might sound like a statement regarding today’s climate, but the year is actually 1971 when New York City was beset by financial problems, high crime, and strikes.  It is easy to compare that era, which was so hard on Mel and Edna Edison, to the one inhabited by struggling families today.  Mel copes the only way he knows how - he rants, he raves and he throws tantrums! When Edna confronts him… “You either live with it or you get out,” he counters with the finest quote of the play, “If you are a human being you reserve the right to complain, to protest. When you give up that right, you don’t exist anymore.”  Mel’s right… it’s okay to question, its okay to complain - it doesn’t mean you don’t love and support those around you. When Mel ultimately caves, it is Edna’s unwavering loyalty and devotion and his siblings’ support that bring him back. Neil Simon’s abundant humor amidst Mel’s somber situation in Prisoner reminds us to appreciate the loved ones who stand by us and to sidestep those who don’t.  So to the Board of Francis Wilson Playhouse, I thank you for so generously adding this bonus show to your 2008-09 season - we hope to make you proud!  To Jim, Liz and Andy - I hope you know how much I appreciate your steadfast friendship and support.  And to all of you who support this wonderful theatre and are here to share in the laughter, thank you and I hope you enjoy the show!

 Pat Clark

The Prisoner of Second Avenue

A Comedy in Two Acts

Produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc

 The Setting

14^th Floor Apartment, New York

Act I

Scene 1-------------------------------------- 2:30 in the morning;
------------------------------------------- on hot midsummer’s day
Scene 2--------------------- Late afternoon, a few days later

Act II

Scene 1----------------------------------- About six weeks later
Scene 2---------------------- Two weeks later, Mid-afternoon
Scene 3-------------------- Six weeks later, Mid-December;
----------------------------------------------------- It is late afternoon

The Cast:

(In order of appearance)

Mel--------------------------------------------------------- Bill Harber
Edna---------------------------------------------- Mary Kay Cyrus
Harry------------------------------------------------------ John Clark
Pearl------------------------------------------------- Rosalyn Savel
Pauline------------------------------------------------ Judy Becker
Jessie------------------------------------------------ Brenda Martin

Radio Voices:
Roger Keating------------------------------- James Demetrius
Stan Jennings------------------------------------------ Andy Rufo
Reporter Bethesda Wayne------------------------ Liz Werlin
Judge Mario Pecona------------------------------ Mike Arnold

Meet the Director- Pat Clark

Pat is excited to return to the Playhouse just a few short months after directing the hit comedy, Any Wednesday!  Previously at the Playhouse she directed Girls in 509 and Dial M for Murder.  For the past 12 years, Pat has been privileged to also direct at West Coast Players, Eight O’Clock Theatre, and P.A.G.E.S.  Thanks to Liz for always being here - you’re the best; Dianna, your flawless work is done with such generosity; Mike & Mike - my favorite loyal backstage crew; Andy, lighting us with style; and Jim, outperforming yourself yet again with this stunning set!   To a sensational cast - your determination and commitment to perform this show has been awesome – you are my heroes! 

Meet the Cast

Bill Harber (Mel Edison)  Bill has enjoyed working in Community Theatre for the past 12 seasons.  He received a Lary Award for his portrayal of Lenny in Rumors last season at Francis Wilson Playhouse!  Bill enjoys working with such a talented group of thespians in The Prisoner of Second Avenue, especially with Pat in her brilliant extraction of the true character, and her faithful sidekick Stage Manager Liz!  Bill has also worked at P.A.G.E.S in Safety Harbor, Eight O’Clock Theatre in Largo, and numerous shows with West Coast Players.  Bill thanks his family and friends for their support especially his lovely wife of 40 years, Karen!  Bill performs daily at a local flooring store.

Mary Kay Cyrus (Edna Edison) Mary Kay is delighted to be appearing on the Francis Wilson stage again.  Since being a part of last year’s Lary award winning Rumors,  she has kept herself busy directing The Octette Bridge Club for Carrollwood Players and both The Housekeeper and The Queen of Bingo for Venue Ensemble Theatre.  Given the characters, it seems rather befitting that she should be married to Bill yet again (Moon Over Buffalo, WCP and Rumors, FWP).  Thanks to Pat for this wonderful and challenging opportunity, to Liz for keeping her on her toes, and to a wonderful cast for making this show such a pleasure. And as always, thanks to her husband, Ken, for all his love and support. God’s blessings to all.

John Clark (Harry Edison) John was last seen on this stage in The Girls in 509 and is thrilled to be back. Recently he played Big Jule in Guys and Dolls at Eight O’clock Theatre in Largo. Earlier this year he played Patrick Murphy in Abie’s Irish Rose in Tarpon Springs. A past winner of Suncoast Theatre Award, The Lary, for both acting and directing, he has been active in Community Theatre for over 25 years. Thanks and love to Pat and Liz and a wonderful cast and crew. As always, to the lovely Mary and the boys.

Rosalyn Savel (Pearl) After a long absence Rosalyn is happy to be on stage at the Playhouse.  Her last appearances were in Auntie Mame and Ladies of the Jury.  In the meantime she has performed at Eight O’Clock Theatre, WCP, and TSPAC in such productions as Come Blow Your Horn (Lary Award), Cemetery Club, Play On (Lary Nominee), Abie’s Irish Rose, Moon Over Buffalo, and Over the River and Through the Woods....to name a few.  Thanks to Pat Clark and Liz Werlin for their patience and guidance and choosing her to be a part of this talented cast.  Thanks also to Don for his encouragement and help.  Now sit back and enjoy our production.

Brenda Martin (Jessie) Longtime Playhouse patrons may recall seeing Brenda portray Mildred Bulthorpe in Key for Two in the 1990’s.  Brenda is an actress, freelance writer, children’s author, and producer/co-host of the radio program, “Entertainment and the Arts,” which she co-created on WTAN in 2003.  Her first picture book, “Freddie, Hector and Tish:  The Treasure-Hunt Fish,” was released in February 2008 and her second book is due out later this summer.  Brenda gives live author presentations of her books to children’s’ groups. 

Judy Becker (Pauline) The Prisoner of Second Avenue is the fourth Neil Simon play in which Judy has had the pleasure of performing.  She appeared in Fools as Yenchna, in Lost in Yonkers as Gertrude (for which she won a Lary Award), and in Last of the Red Hot Lovers as Elaine.  Judy is thrilled to be playing Pauline under the talented direction of Pat Clark.  Thank you Pat, and delightful cast and crew for being so much fun to work with!  And thanks, dear Rickey, and my faithful friends/fans for your unwavering support.

 Liz Werlin - Stage Manager

Liz has been involved with Community Theatre for ten years and has performed many of the backstage tasks necessary for a successful show, yet her favorite role is as Stage Manager. It is with great pleasure that she lends her efforts to see The Prisoner of Second Avenue performed here.  Thanks to Pat for her never ending support and friendship and to both Mikes for stepping up to help her out once again backstage. Much love to her sons David and Erik for always showing an interest in her theatre adventures and to Andy for never missing a cue.

Copyright laws prohibit the use of cameras or any recording devices.