Chapter Two is one of the Neil Simon_x0019_ s finest comedies and is widely perceived to be an autobiographical revelation of his own coming to terms with the death of his first wife, followed by his love affair and subsequent marriage to actress Marsha Mason. This very funny but poignant play is based around four brilliantly penned characters _x0013_ George Schneider,a mourning writer; Jenny Malone, a level-headed actress; Leo, George_x0019_ s garrulous but loving brother; and Faye, Jenny_x0019_ s utterly clueless but enchanting friend. George has not _x001C_ moved-on_x001D_ from the untimely demise of his wife despite Leo_x0019_ s best efforts to hook him up with other women. But he meets Jenny who_x0019_ s just walked out of a terrible marriage to a football player, and in a very short space of time they_x0019_ re in love, married and honeymooning Hawaii. But George_x0019_ s memories catch up with him and he soon finds himself trapped between the past and the present, and the new relationship starts to crumble. How does he reconcile his past and move forward with Jenny _x0013_ a sentimental woman with a strong head on her shoulders? Do they give up or work things out? Although it seems like a heavy subject to deal with, Simon_x0019_ s wonderful narrative and witty and humorous dialogue makes Chapter Two an immensely likeable piece. In George and Jenny, he shows us complexity and simplicity in human forms. In Leo and Faye, he presents us with two of the most confused yet adorable characters right out of a daily soap that we connect with right from the word go. All four make us think as much as they make us laugh.
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