The Prisoner of Second Avenue

The Prisoner of Second Avenue is an American black comedy by Neil Simon (Wikipedia, 1927-) , looking at the problems and neuroses of apartment living and the pressures of contemporary city life, later made into a film released in 1975.

The original text
The play premiered on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on November 11, 1971 and closed on September 29, 1973, after 798 performances and four previews. Produced by Saint Subber and directed by Mike Nichols, the cast featured Peter Falk and Lee Grant starring as Mel and Edna Edison, and Vincent Gardenia as Mel's brother Harry. The production received 1972 Tony Award nominations for Best Play, for Mike Nichols for Best Director, Play, and Vincent Gardenia for Supporting Actor, Play.

Performance history in South Africa
In South Africa the play was presented by PACT in 1983 starring Michael McCabe (Mel Edison) and Erica Rogers (Edna Edison) and directed by Ken Leach at the Alexander Theatre and in Novemver 1983 at the Nico Malan Theatre in Cape Town. Also starring John Hussey (Harry Edison), Fiona Fraser (Jessie), Brenda Wood ((Puline) and Kate Edwards (Pearl). Design by Ed Hayes, lighting by Malcolm Hurrell.

Return to
Return to PLAYS I: Original SA plays

Return to PLAYS II: Foreign plays

Return to PLAYS III: Collections

Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances

Return to South African Festivals and Competitions

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page