Behind the Curtains -Take 1 - The Wife's Perspective

You might have missed the wedding of Mel and Edna Edison, but you can share in their life's up's and down's.  Join them in Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue on April 25-27th.  

Ruthy Stapleton (Edna) reflects on their married life...
Mel and Edna's relationship is dual-nature.  Mel behaves so poorly, disrespectfully, and outright abusively toward Edna at times, and she sometimes has to put up with more than anyone should.  Of course, all of the other characters think Mel can do no wrong and blame Edna for Mel's meltdown.  And Edna herself would seem pathetic if it weren't for her brassy personality and ability to stand up for herself. 

Even though Edna's world does revolve largely around Mel --  she doesn't lose herself.  She takes on this role of provider (as well as confidant and comforter) and really becomes Mel's rock in the storm.  I think Edna's unshakable sense of self and willingness to take on the world make this play completely relevant and timely for a modern audience. 

As you can see, the cast and crew took this production up a notch by staging a wedding as pictured here for a true marriage between Mel and Edna.  It was one of Ruthy's favorite moments because they actually had people drive by who honked their horns and others congratulated them while they were taking pictures in their 50's wedding attire-fur coats, toupee, veil and all.  Ruthy admits that if she had been one of the people driving by she would have thought it was a strange looking wedding party but 'at least the bride looks happy. . . even though her groom is wearing a WICKED-ugly toupee.'

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