Lights! Sound! Wardrobe! Neil Simon Play Coming to Peacock Stage

(Photo by Pam Roman) Wizards make magic: Kneeling: David Cady and David Heslin. Standing: Kay Thomas, Michele Legue, Kathy Wright, Dianne Spelts, and Margaret Jones (not pictured: Janice Minette)

By Harrison Keely

Guest Writer

The Peacock Performing Arts Center’s first play of 2026 may feature just four actors, but Chapter Two is supported by a dedicated behind-the-scenes crew working to make the show run seamlessly.

Written by legendary playwright Neil Simon, Chapter Two marks the first Simon play staged in Hayesville in seven years. Set in New York City, the romantic comedy follows widower George Schneider as he cautiously reenters the dating world at the urging of his brother, Leo. After a series of disastrous dates, George meets Jennie Malone, a woman also navigating life after loss, and Jennie’s neurotic, married friend, Faye.

Stage managers Michele Legue of Murphy and Kay Thomas of Hiawassee say the production presents a unique challenge. Legue notes she is accustomed to working with much larger casts, while Thomas emphasizes the play’s pacing and emotional subtlety.

“This is a Neil Simon play, so there are nuances that really matter,” Thomas says. “It’s funny, but it’s not slapstick.”

Running lights and sound for the production is David Heslin, who has worked with the Peacock for the past three years. While the small cast might suggest minimal technical demands, Heslin says that is rarely the case.

“Every time we assume there will be fewer cues, it turns out there are more than expected,” he says with a laugh.

Heslin moved to Hayesville from the Atlanta area in 2019 and brings more than two decades of technical theatre experience. He says the strength of Chapter Two lies in its straightforwardness.

“The simplicity of this show is what makes it such a strong performance,” he says. “And it’s written by one of Broadway’s top playwrights.”

Costumes also play a major role in bringing the 1970s setting to life. Kathy Wright of Brasstown, one of the Peacock’s most veteran costumers, says the challenge isn’t the era but the volume of changes.

“Even with just four actors, there are over 45 costume modifications and changes in the show,” Wright says.

Because the story spans multiple weeks, characters undergo frequent outfit changes, requiring costumers to manage dozens of garments and assist with quick changes backstage.

Joining Wright is costumer Dianne Spelts, for whom Chapter Two is her fourth production at the Peacock.

“Since this show is set in 1977, I can relate to the clothes,” Spelts says. “I wore them!”

Additional costumers include Margaret Jones and Janice Minette.

Chapter Two runs March 6-8 and March 13-15 at the Peacock Performing Arts Center, 301 Church St., Hayesville. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. For information, call 828-389-2787 or visit thepeacocknc.org.