Monday, 7/21/97 ‘Proposals’ searches for unity amidst life’s
misconceptions THEATER: Simon’s play delivers strong story line,
weak emotional punch
By Alicia Cheak Daily Bruin Contributor The pursuit of
reconciliation and "harmony," as the character Clemma calls it, is
the subject of "Proposals," a new play by Neil Simon, running
through August 31 at the Ahmanson Theatre. While "Proposals" has
its share of humor, wit and strong performances by a well-assembled
cast, the play falls short in reaching high emotional levels.
"Proposals" lures the audience into the story but prevents them
from getting swept away by it. The play opens with a musical
interlude which sets up an idyllic place – a quaint summer home
nestled deep in the woods with trees and winding pathways. Like the
writer Henry Thoreau, who isolated himself for enlightenment, the
characters in "Proposals" leave their respective cities via
self-invitation to a summer luncheon. The house belongs to Burt
Hines, who is spending the summer as usual with his daughter Josie
and a devoted aid, Clemma. Between the three of them, they manage
to drag in ex-Mrs. Hines, now Annie Robbins, Ken (Josie’s
ex-fiance), Ray (Ken’s blood brother with whom Josie is in love
with), Vinnie (a gangster-like acquaintance of Josie), Sammii
(Ken’s dim-witted girlfriend) and finally Lewis (Clemma’s husband
who left seven years ago). Yes, it’s quite a handful but it is also
all the more difficult feat for the playwright to weave together
disparate individuals with interconnected histories. In the end,
"Proposals" is also about second chances, mistakes, forgiveness and
amazing grace (which is sung). Proposals are broken, rekindled and
some made for the first time. The humor shows Simon’s knack for
identifying the quirks of subjects like ethnicity, religion and
social relationships. For example, he deals with Judaism, Black
civil rights and the etiquette for breaking an engagement. The
audience laughs because they can identify with these subjects.
While the characters work toward finding themselves amidst all
their misconceptions, the rhythm of the play is disrupted by
Suzanne Cryer, who plays Josie. Undeniably miscast, Cryer had a
dampening effect because of her rigid acting and forcefulness of
articulation. However, the rest of the cast proves to be adept at
delivering a homespun story. L. Scott Caldwell puts in a strong
performance as Clemma, who from the beginning hooks the audience
into the lives of the characters and continues to do so throughout.
Vinnie and Annie are stereotypical constructs. Vinnie is a
flamboyant agile talker who ends every adjective in ‘ly’ and Annie
is the Monroe-like model who squirms and flutters about with an
extremely high-pitched voice like Donna Reed’s. Their presence
allows for comedy at the expense of the stereotypes as well as a
convenient solution to one of the many barriers between Josie and
Ray. "Proposals" is painted in nostalgia. It starts with a woman
looking at a house, recalling the lives which occupied it, and
closes with a poignant evening porch scene where the three women
contemplate the future. It leaves a nice, picturesque image, not
unlike the opening scene, and nothing more. Theater: Neil Simon’s
"Proposals" plays at the Ahmanson Theatre Tues.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and
Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m. until August 31. Tickets are $15-52.50.
For more information, call (213) 628-2772. Ahmanson Theatre Suzanne
Cryer (left) and Ron Rifkin in "Proposals," playing at the Ahmanson
Theatre through August 31. Ahmanson Theatre Reg Rogers (left) and
L. Scott Caldwell star in Neil Simon’s new play, "Proposals".
Related Site: Ahmanson Theater