THEATRE REVIEWS : Within the Confines of a Community Production : Ana-Modjeska Players stage a charmingly modest ‘Prisoner of Second Avenue’ sincere enough to break out of Neil Simon’s whiny cement jungle.

In the Fairmont Private School gymnasium, the Ana-Modjeska Players are presenting a Neil Simon chestnut, “The Prisoner of Second Avenue.” It’s a community-theater presentation replete with the charms--and curses--of its kind.

The principal charm is the complete unpretentiousness of the production, directed by John Craig, who seems convinced that there are laughs to be had out of Simon’s less-than-hilarious story of a couple caught in an urban cement mixer of unemployment, crime, garbage, noise, failed plumbing and nasty neighbors.

When the director spoke to the audience before the curtain on Saturday, he offered no apologies, as directors often do. Instead, like a good host, he told a couple of warm-up jokes and stepped back to let Simon and the cast take it.

Buoyed by the unvarnished innocence of the performers, this “Prisoner” forges ahead with a benign friendliness that is far more winning than Simon’s whining protagonist, Mel Edison.

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The audience rewarded the players with ready chuckles like proud parents at a pageant, more than fulfilling their end of the “community” part of this peculiar chemistry that spawns productions as these in auditoriums, rec rooms and gymnasiums across the country.

The theatergoer with no attachment to the production may find the entertainment quotient of the Ana-Modjeska Players about equivalent to attending a recital showcasing the talents of other people’s children. A sociologist, though, could have a field day.

*”The Prisoner of Second Avenue,” Fairmont Private School, 1557 Mable St., Anaheim. Thursday-Saturday, , 8 p.m. Ends Saturday. $5-$6. (714) 828-0843. Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes. Ed Kirkland: Mel Edison

Lauren Artig: Edna Edison

Richard June: Harry Edison

Pat Woodhull: Pearl

Denise Tohidi: Jessie

Valerie Martin: Pauline

Marlene Frances: Radio Announcer

An Ana-Modjeska Players Production. Written by Neil Simon. Directed by John Craig.