In the Arts: A ‘Chapter’ for the new year

The Laguna Playhouse hosts “Chapter Two,” the fourth installment of its 2012-13 season.

Penned by Tony- and Emmy-award winner Neil Simon and directed by Andrew Barnicle, this is a story about a middle-aged writer, George Schneider, whose life has been turned upside down by the untimely death of his wife.

George’s well-intentioned brother Leo tries to set him up on a string of dates, each of which is a fiasco. At long last, an encounter with divorced soap opera actress, Jennie Malone, reveals a glimmer of potential. Guests are invited to watch George meander through the obstacles of the second chapter of his life.

The show will feature actors Geoffrey Lower, Kevin Ashworth, Leslie Stevens and Caroline Kinsolving. Bruce Goodrich is responsible for scenic and costume design, Corinne Carrillo for sound design and Donald Guy for lighting.

Previews of the semi-autobiographical comedy will start at 8 p.m. Jan. 8 through 11. “Chapter Two” will open at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 and run until Feb. 3. Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Additional shows will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 and 2 p.m. Jan. 24.

Tickets range from $35 to $65, and student and group discounts are available. The box office, at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and until 8 p.m. on performance days. For more information, visit https://www.lagunaplayhouse.com or call (949) 497-2787.

—Rhea Mahbubani