Check It Out:

Despite the incredible technological advances in the art of filmmaking, where computer imagery has become almost frighteningly realistic, there’s nothing like heading over to a local playhouse to see a stage production.

Because there are no computer generated images or other special effects getting in the way, audiences can revel in the masterfully crafted character-driven dramas and comedies performed by trained actors and actresses.

Although there have been many well written productions throughout the years, playwrights David Mamet and Neil Simon have garnered constant critical acclaim for their works that peer into the interesting lives of families, friends, co-workers and teachers.

You can find many of their works at the Newport Beach Public Library in book and DVD formats.

“Brighton Beach Memoirs” by Neil Simon: Neil Simon was known for writing plays that offered a healthy dose of comedy and “Brighton Beach Memoirs” is no exception.

Set in Brooklyn, N.Y., during the late 1930s, Simon’s play is a slice of life tale from the point of view of Eugene Jerome, a hormone driven 15-year-old who dreams of being a writer, playing baseball with the Yankees and seeing a naked woman (though not necessarily in that order).

Eugene is our guide through the trials and tribulations of his family: a complex living arrangement with his mother’s sister and two daughters, his overworked father, a troubled older brother and his infatuation with his cousin Nora.

“The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon: “Spoon? You dumb ignoramus! It’s a ladle!” Neil Simon’s uproarious comedy sees the pairing of two completely different personalities, allowing the resulting hijinks to take full control.

Felix is a prim, proper and obsessive compulsive kind of guy who sees his recent divorce from his wife as the end of the world. Out of fear for his friend’s safety, Oscar (a complete slob) takes him in — an act he will soon regret as Felix’s behavior will drive him over the edge.

“Glengarry Glen Ross” by David Mamet: An intense drama that focuses on the lives of several employees of a low key branch of the Glengarry Glen Ross real estate firm. The focal point of the play involves the employee’s reactions to a supposed break in of their office, resulting in the disappearance of high profile, no risk sales leads. What makes “Glengarry Glen Ross” a marvel is the pure ugliness of the characters — these are not happy men. They’re vulgar, they’re frustrated, stressed out and beaten down by a business that praises success and severely punishes failure.

David Mamet would go on to receive the Pulitzer Prize for this play.

“Oleanna” by David Mamet: Mamet’s play is an emotionally charged drama that presents a seemingly innocent scenario that quickly spins disastrously out of control and erupts into a storm of wild emotion.

The plot involves a timid female student’s encounter with her verbose and somewhat arrogant college professor (who happens to be up for tenure).

When the student makes the claim of sexual harassment against the professor, he finds his career in jeopardy which leads into a shocking encounter in the play’s final act.

The case of sexual harassment in Oleanna is not as clear cut as one would expect, easily lending itself to discussion and debate among the audience and readers (this is the sort of reading material you could easily spend an entire semester discussing).

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.