Photo Flash: Opening Night of THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE

The Prisoner of Second Avenue revolves around the escalating problems of a middle-aged couple living on Second Avenue on the Upper East Side of New York City. Mel Edison (portrayed by Alexander), has just lost his job after many years and now has to cope with being unemployed at middle age. The action occurs during an intense summer heat wave and a prolonged garbage strike, which just exacerbates Edison's plight to no end as he and his wife Edna (Hecht) deal with noisy neighbors, loud sounds emanating from Manhattan streets, and even a robbery of their apartment in broad daylight. Mel eventually suffers a nervous breakdown from the whole affair, and it is up to the loving care of his brother Harry, his sisters and his wife Edna to bring Mel back to a firm reality. Neil Simon's 1971 play walks a tightrope between comedy and drama in this bittersweet tale. The play is perhaps more relevant today than it was when it first debuted on Broadway 40 years ago.
The set design for The Prisoner of Second Avenue is by Stephen Gifford, lighting design is by Jared A. Sayeg, costume design is by Kate Bergh, and Philip G. Allen has joined the team as sound designer. The production stage manager is John Lovick. The Prisoner of Second Avenue is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

 Cast members Jason Alexander (L) and Gina Hecht (R) 

 (L-R) Cast members Deedee Rescher, Carole Ita White, Ron Orbach, Jason Alexander, Gina Hecht and Annie Korzen 

: (L-R) Cast members Deedee Rescher, Carole Ita White, Ron Orbach, Jason Alexander, Gina Hecht, Annie Korzen and Director Glenn Casale

(L-R) Cast member Deedee Rescher, Producer Tom Brocato and Cast members Carole Ita White, Ron Orbach, Jason Alexander, Gina Hecht, Annie Korzen and Director Glenn Casale 

(L-R) Cast member Deedee Rescher, Producer Tom Brocato and Cast members Carole Ita White, Ron Orbach, Jason Alexander, Gina Hecht, Annie Korzen and Director Glenn Casale 

Cast member cast member Jason Alexander (L) with wife Daena E. Title (L) and son Noah Greenspan (Middle)

Opening night performance of "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" at the El Portal Theatre 

Opening night performance of "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" at the El Portal Theatre 

Cast member Gina Hecht (L) and actress Marilu Henner (R) 

Actresses Marilu Henner (L) and Annie Potts (R) 

(L-R) Actress Jennifer Leigh Warren, Director Glenn Casale, cast member Ron Orbach and wife Kathleen Orbach 

Cast member Ron Orbach (R) and wife Kathleen Orbach (L) 

(L-R) Director Glenn Casale, actor Rip Taylor and actress Kate Linder 

Cast members Deedee Rescher (L) and Ron Orbach (R) 

Actor Rip Taylor