Neil Simon, The Most Successful Playwright In The History Of Theatre :: essays research papers fc

Neil Simon, the Most Successful Playwright in The History of Theatre"It can be argued that Neil Simon is not only Americas almost successfulplaywright, but also the most successful playwright in the history of theatre."1Despite being criticized for lack of substance, his hugely successful comedies atomic number 18 consistently revived, whether on Broadway or in other community or dinnertheatres. Last week the University of Notre Dames Mainstage season opened withthe departmental premiere of shoeless in the Park. Though the play originallyopened more then thirty years ago, the themes of compatibility and compromisethat it presents are still relevant today. Simon masterfully manipulated thesecret plan of Barefoot in the Park to include all of the elements of a fine play(intrigue, credibility, surprise, etc.) and to create a viable playscript thatboth emphasizes the plays major themes and, beneficial as importantly, makes the hearing laugh.     Simon has skillfully constructed the plot of Barefoot in the Park toshowcase and emphasize his themes of compatibility and need for compromise. Theplot itself starts out fairly simple. In the runner coiffure, Paul and Corie Bratter,wed but six days, move into their new apartment on the top floor of a brownstonein New York City. From the very first, the audience can guess that these are twovery different characters that have very different values, and yet Paul andCorie are very much in love. The plot progresses as other characters areintroduced. First to visit the newlyweds is Cories mother, Mrs. Banks. Therelationship between Corie and her mother also involves a clash of very distinctpersonalities. With the port of the Bratters eccentric upstairs neighbor,Victor Velasco, Corie sees the opportunity to play matchmaker and inject alittle romance into her staid mothers life. The first act concludes withCories plan to tally the two together at an upcoming dinner party, much to thechagrin of h er husband Paul. This creates intrigue--"that quality of a playwhich makes us curious (sometimes fervently so) to see what happens next"2--because the audience is left wondering whether Cories plan will work. Thus thefirst act provides exposition, creates a feeling of suspense, and begins toshowcase the compatibility problems in the relationships of several of thecharacters.     The second act takes place in two parts the first before Cories dinnerparty, and the second in the aftermath. Throughout the first part of the act,Simon emphasizes the enthusiasm, spontaneity, and lack of forethought with whichCorie approaches her matchmaking task. Paul, on the other hand, acts like "astuffed shirt"3 and tries to show Corie the foolishness of her plan.