God's Favorite

by Neil Simon

Directed by
Rev. Norman L Johnson

God's Favorite was performed in May 1986.

Cast of Characters

Joe BenjaminRobert Panarella
Ben BenjaminTony Hansen
Sarah BenjaminBethanne Meyer
Rose BenjaminGeorgeann Johnson
David BenjaminRoy Ebersole
MadyDonna Coyle
MorrisGeorge Gajary
Sidney LiptonRev. Norman L. Johnson

 

The Setting
The action takes place in the Benjamin mansion
on the North Shore of Long Island.

Act one:
 Scene 1Midnight
 Scene 2Two weeks later
Act two:
 Four weeks later, after the holocaust

About the author

Since 1960, a Broadway season without a Neil Simon comedy or musical has been a rare one. During 1966-67, Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple, Sweet Charity, and The Star-Spangled Girl were all running simultaneously. During 1970-71, he had Plaza Suite, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Promises, Promises on Broadway. The next season there was Prisoner of 2nd Avenue, Sunshine Boys and The Good Doctor.

Many of these plays have now made it on the Silver Screen and to much critical acclaim. By his own analysis "Doc" Simon has always been that person sitting in the corner who's observing it all for all of his years.

God's Favorite was first presented in December of 1974 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre with Vincent Gardenia and Charles Nelson Reilly starring in it and directed by Michael Bennett. This is Simon's first look at a biblical character through the eyes of a 20th century comedy writer. As you see God's Favorite unfold, it certainly does show us a 20th century Job.