O.C. Theater : ‘Lady’: Darker Shade of Simon

One easily forgets when looking at Neil Simon’s later plays, with more serious subjects and treatments, that during his early sitcom heyday he wrote a very sober play called “The Gingerbread Lady.” A well-turned production at the Theatre District provides a stunning reminder.

But maybe “sober” isn’t quite the right word for this play.

Evy Meara is a 43-year-old nightclub singer whose career became a tippling tailspin ending in a sanitarium dry-out and a coincidental 40-pound weight loss. As the play opens, she’s returning to her Manhattan apartment and the loving arms of her best friend Jimmy, a homosexual actor who, at 37, still thinks stardom is awaiting him, and her buddy Toby, who is 40 and still clinging to the youthful image of beauty she believes is her only weapon in her battle with life.

They are her emotional crutches, and she is theirs. Add Evy’s teen-age daughter, who drops in for good, bringing her own insecure baggage. None is concerned as much about Evy as they are about their own little problems.

They give Evy dozens of reasons for taking that next first drink. Which she does. It’s all very un-Simon. There are, of course, the usual Simon one-liners woven into the dark fabric, but this time they come out of theatrical characters who would speak in one-liners, and they’re funnier because of it. Director Mario Lescot gives the humor free rein but never lets it get in the way of a sense of reality that was unusual for Simon in this period. Lescot’s balance between the two is careful and expertly handled. He knows where the subtle shadings are and how to blend and tint them.

Lescot has cast the production impeccably. His Evy, Marta DuBois, has the control not to overemphasize Evy’s show-biz aura. What she does emphasize is Evy’s vulnerable humanity. DuBois’ insights into Evy’s past success, her addiction and her lack of strength in the face of temptation--both from drink and from her abusive ex-lover--are profound, truthful and lit by an inner fire. She’s also very funny tossing off those requisite gags.

David Nelson, as Jimmy, is touching, funny and has a bittersweet charm in his naive approach to his little defeats and his honest adoration of Evy. He also has the sense not to fall into the stereotype trap, maintaining a gentle aura that defines Jimmy’s true worth as a human being.

As Evy’s well-married girlfriend Toby, Nancy Petersen embodies glamour in looks and attitude. She’s class all the way. That is, until she shatters the image in one of the production’s funniest scenes, sobbing uncontrollably while she lists in detail a lifetime of sexual conquests. It’s a neat trick, and she pulls it off.

Jessica Learned gives daughter Polly a rewarding curiosity and an affection, hidden beneath her nice sharp edge of teen-age rebellion, that marks Polly definitely as Evy’s kid. Polly remembers a childhood gingerbread house, which like her mother’s life, is now only crumbs.

The craggy virility that keeps beckoning Evy to her ex-lover, Lou, runs like a river through Victor Santana’s volatile performance, but it is well-matched by a sense of macho insecurity. In the smaller role of a delivery boy from the local grocery, John Bowerman shows what a good actor can do with very little.

Evy’s apartment living room and kitchen, by Two Blue Chairs Inc., look like a real New York apartment, one that Evy would nest in, and it is lighted as a real flat would be, both ingredients that add to the honesty of a fine revival.

* “The Gingerbread Lady,” 1599 Superior Ave., Suite B-2, Costa Mesa. Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 7 p.m. Ends Sunday. $12. (714) 548-7671. Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes. Marta DuBois: Evy Meara

David Nelson: Jimmy Perry

Jessica Learned: Polly Meara

Victor Santana: Lou Tanner

A Theatre District production of Neil Simon’s play, produced by Bonnie Vise. Directed by Mario Lescot. Assistant director: Joan Lescot. Scenic design: Two Blue Chairs Inc. Stage manager: Bruce Beckman.