I guess I can no longer say that "I don't read anything." After this summer's decent amount of reading that I put under my belt, I decided to continue the trend into the fall. I guess that the two-plus hours I spend on the bus everyday doesn't hurt, either...
"Chapter Two" by Neil Simon
"Come Blow Your Horn" by Neil Simon
"Barefoot in the Park" by Neil Simon
"The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
"Rumors" by Neil Simon
Chapter Two
by Neil Simon
When I first saw a production of Chapter Two, I didn't really understand it. Now, I'm not saying that it was a particularly bad production, but... okay, I'm saying it was a bad production (I liked the actors, if that helps any). Chapter Two, based on Neil Simon's real-life marriage to actress Marsha Mason, is a cute story of two people who find comfort in each other from their respective failed relationships. After they marry too quickly, their love for one another is tested. There's a good female part in this show (which is a rarity), including one of the best female monologues I've read in a long time. I'd love to have scene work from this one.
Highly recommended
Come Blow Your Horn
by Neil Simon
Come Blow Your Horn was Neil Simon's first attempt at writing a comedy for the stage. While that could spell disaster (a writer normally isn't that good in the early stages of his career), one must also remember that Neil Simon had had a great deal of TV writing experience prior to this one, and this is the play that kicked his career off. The movie version of this play apparently wasn't too accurate, but it had Frank Sinatra in it, so I'll probably watch it anyway. Regardless, Come Blow Your Horn is a legitimately funny play about a typical American family. If you liked Brighton Beach Memoirs or Broadway Bound, you'll probably also enjoy this play.
Highly recommended
Barefoot in the Park
by Neil Simon
Barefoot in the Park has quickly become one of my favorite plays. It was a fairly quick read, and I can completely understand why it's one of the most produced plays in America. It has a simple setting, a small cast, and a wonderful story. In fact, after reading this one, it's become a goal of mine to play the part of Paul. Perhaps it's just that strange connection that I feel to most of Neil Simon's work, but I see so much of myself reflected in it. I can't wait to pick up the movie version of this play.
Highly recommended
The Odd Couple
by Neil Simon
I think that everyone knows the basics of The Odd Couple, so I'll spare you from reading them here. I decided to pick this one up again, in honor of the recent Broadway revival that just started playing at the Brooks Atkinson. Even after reading the play several times and watching the movie, The Odd Couple remains one of the funniest plays I've ever read. I literally found myself laughing out loud re-reading this one.
Strongly recommended
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling
In progress!
