By Eva Trieger
SOLANA BEACH, California -When Artistic Director David Ellenstein takes the stage, audiences can bet that they are in for a great show. In the past few years we’ve been treated to the director as actor in Tally’s Folly, My Name is Asher Lev, and recently at the Moonlight, Fiddler on the Roof. David’s DNA most decidedly has the code for acting, inherited from his father, Robert Ellenstein, a successful actor and director in the Los Angeles area.
In a phone interview, I caught up with Ellenstein between rehearsals for his upcoming show. “Why Chapter Two?” I asked. “I saw it in 1980 and liked it! It’s a departure from Neil Simon’s other shows and has more depth because it’s semi-autobiographical,” answered the actor. The story is based on Simon’s second marriage to Marsha Mason, the self-same actress who starred in the film opposite James Caan. “This play will leave audiences shaking their heads a little bit,” Ellenstein posited. “It has more depth” and viewers can share a sense of uncertainty with the protagonist.
I wanted to know if Ellenstein had ever played this role before. He had not, but has been in Broadway Bound, another play written by Neil Simon. He further explained to me, that in the 80s, Simon enjoyed great popularity and theaters frequently performed his material, yet in the past fifteen years, he has fallen out of favor. “There is a successful resurgence today,” Ellenstein informed me.
How does one direct and act simultaneously, you may wonder? Luckily for Ellenstein he acknowledged that he relies on his “trusted eyes” which belong to Co-Director, Chris Williams. The two have similar sensibilities and aesthetics and Chris has been called upon to be Ellenstein’s mirror, and reflect back what he sees so that the role is conveyed honestly.
Casting was fairly easy, according to Ellenstein, but he did have to skew the cast slightly older than the script dictated. Ellenstein’s co-stars have all delighted North Coast Rep’s audiences before, so we truly are in for a treat. George Schneider (David Ellenstein), and brother, Leo Schneider (Louis Lotorto), take the spotlight along with Jennie Malone (Jackie Ritz) and Faye Medwick (Mhari Sandoval).
Though Chapter Two has many a comedic moment, it is the story of a widower wading back into the pool of love, marriage and all of the uncertain and choppy waters that come with it. When I asked Ellenstein if he thought that Simon had a healthy perspective on relationships and marriage he laughed and said, “He wrote Chapter Two assuming that his second marriage would be his last. It only lasted seven years, and he married five times altogether!” I guess I’d translate that to mean he had a healthy appetite for marriage!
Would the play be too much of a period piece? Ellenstein told me that while there are references to the 1970s, it is as true today as when it was first penned. People struggle with the same issues in every intimate relationship and that has not changed.
Though the play doesn’t mention anything that makes it overtly Jewish, it is “Jewish because it is,” Ellenstein said. Neil Simon’s George, though not a Woody Allen stereotype, lends identifiable character traits that we’ve come to associate with New York Jews. George and Jennie engage in witty, sarcastic banter, self-deprecating remarks, and sometimes self-aggrandizing retorts.
Will audiences be sympathetic to George or find him obnoxious? Ellenstein told me he believes that although George is mean at one point, it’s understood that he is still grieving and in pain. Audiences will understand his emotional turmoil and find him lovable, if prickly.
“This is a really funny, charming and heartfelt play,” according to the Artistic Director/ Actor/Director. Following on the heels of three very successful shows, Season 33 is shaping up to be a banner season. Thus far, every show has been extended due to popular demand and audience response has been amazing.
North Coast Rep is also excited about the upcoming Off Night productions. On March 3, Broadway writer and actor, Laurence Luckinbill, will resurrect one of the greatest American presidents in Teddy Tonight. On March 16, Richard Lederer, our favorite local “verbivore,” will present “Amazing Words.” The NCRT annual gala on April 26 proudly showcases the multitalented Ben Vereen!
Chapter Two opens on February 28 and runs through March 22. Tickets for all shows and events are available at northcoastrep.org or by calling 858-481-1055.
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Trieger is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. Your comment may be posted in the space provided below or sent to eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com