If laughter is indeed the best medicine, The Good Doctor is the cure-all pill. Directed by Sandra Bates in her final production as Artistic Director, enjoy a night out with this Broadway classic, and see why it was a smash hit when it debuted at the Ensemble Theatre in 1975.
“The Good Doctor is a play which celebrates the power and joy of live theatre,” says Sandra Bates. “I am thrilled to be directing this play as my final production as Artistic Director.”
In this collection of stories from master playwright Neil Simon (channeling Chekhov), meet a cast of unforgettable characters from the tragically comical to the comically tragic. There’s the clerk who blows a sneeze out of proportion, the player who gets played, the dentist who’s just a little too enthusiastic…
Neil Simon is best known for his commercially successful comedies, such as The Odd Couple (1965) and Biloxi Blues (1985), among many others. Opening at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Broadway in November 1973, The Good Doctor ran for 208 performances.
Simon began writing The Good Doctor in the summer of 1972 after reading a collection of short stories written by Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904). Chekhov worked his way through medical school by selling his short stories and humorous articles to local newspapers.
Inspired by Chekhov’s humor and wit, Simon put together The Good Doctor, which, in contrast to his usual narrative style, is comprised of a series of skits strung together in between by a central character known only as The Writer. The title of the play refers to both Chekhov’s profession and Simon’s childhood nickname, Doc. The character of The Writer is presumably a combination of both Chekhov and Simon.
“Expertly weaves a variety of Chekhov short stories into laugh-out-loud evening of infectious humour, touching tenderness and unending fun” – The Theatre Mirror, Boston
Director: Sandra Bates Featuring: Chloe Bayliss, Adriano Cappelletta, David Lynch, Kate Raison (Ensemble), Lenore Smith (Glen Street), Nathan Wilson Designer: Graham Maclean Lighting Designer: Christopher Page Assistant Director: Erica Lovell
The Good Doctor
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Season continues to 17 January 2016
Bookings: (02) 9929 0644 or www.ensemble.com.au
Glen Street Theatre, corner Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose
Season: 19 – 24 January 2016
Bookings: (02) 9975 1455 or online at: www.glenstreet.com.au
For more information, visit: www.ensemble.com.au for details.
Image: The Good Doctor (supplied)