The Collected Plays of Neil Simon

Anyone who expects profound one-liners, clever dialogue, and deep philosophical insights from a Neil Simon play might come away feeling a bit cheated. On the other hand. an evening that offers some laughs, encounters with stereo typical suburbanites, and mildly surprising plot twists, is not to be dismissed lightly. The introduction to this compilation of seven Simon plays is by the author himself,and titled, "Portrait of the writer as a Schizophrenic." This identifies the creator of these works as an observer of the human condition who notices the ordinary more readily than the unusual. His characters are "stuffed shirt" lawyers, over anxious mothers, slovenly sports writers, and stressed businessmen, each of whom the author has presumably met somewhere. They are engaging, amusing, and humorous. But do they reveal the rest of us to ourselves? I am not sure. The twists of plot are fairly predictable and the unraveling of character is equally so. All Simon's plays are entertaining, but perhaps that is his gift, providing the public with a relaxing evening of laughter and amusement, not a battle with conscience or a summons to social justice. Not that I am ready to dismiss Simon as a shallow writer. He's not that, exactly. But neither is he an Ibsen tearing beneath the shallow surface of existence to discover previously undisclosed truths. So we may come to the end of almost any of his plays satisfied, but unchallenged, relaxed but not profoundly stimulated. Is there a place for this type of drama? Of course there is, but does it come close to being a waste of talent? Perhaps so,in some ways. But if that's case, there's no doubt that Simon has brought delight to many an audience.

I have just recently become involved in a community theater group. "The Odd Couple" is the first play on the schedule. I ordered this collection, which includes this play to familiarize myself with the script. It will definitely become a permanent reference for me as I enjoy my new interest! I highly recommend it. thi

After watching Neil Simon's biography on TV, I decided to read some of his plays. A friend had read this book, and loaned it to me, when I was needing some Neil Simon. I read "Come Blow your Horn" and after that, I don't know if I stopped giggling, or laughing once. When reading a play, sometimes it seems dead in the script, Neil Simon plays are just as extraordinary on paper as on the stage, or in a movie. I was picturing the "Odd Couple" arguing and I started to laugh out loud (I later saw the movie and discovered that Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon perfectly fit the pictures in my mind." I then moved on to "Star Spangled Girl" which had me roaring with laughter, followed by "Barefoot in the Park" which I really loved. It was so sweet, and innocent, yet hysterically funny! Then, I went to a Plaza Suite, where a series of Affairs and arguments take place. On to "Promises, Promises" A play that was funny, and sweet. Finally, I finished this wonderful book with the poignant, and amusing play "The Last of Red Hot Lovers". Now, I am on to the next set of Neil Simon plays, but these six, will always be some of my personal favorites of all time.

Neil Simon is one of America's foremost playwrights. His "The Odd Couple" is very memorable as is his play " Only When I Laugh" which tells the poignant story of a rehabed alcoholic actress trying to get back to work, her struggle to pick up a relationship with her teenage daughter and the close bond she shares with an ageing beauty queen friend and a mostly out-of-work gay actor. Do yourself a favour and rent the video starring Marsha Mason (Simon's ex-wife) The scene where Mason's life is falling apart around her and she takes that first swill of the wine glass is worthy, every bit worthy, of her Oscar nomination in this role. Simon punches absolutely brilliant one liners and is a master of the theatre in his telling of relationships, past, present and re-establishing. Other plays include "California Suite"