The Neil Simon Collection

Simon fans are in for a treat in this collection of the superbly produced full-cast performances of 10 of his beloved plays including Barefoot in the Park, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers, Biloxi Blues, and California Suite. Especially memorable are Richard Dreyfuss's madcap portrayal of on-the-edge New Yorker Mel Edison in The Prisoner of Second Avenue; Eric Stoltz and Laura Linney's turn as stressed out newlyweds in Barefoot in the Park; and David Paymer and Nathan Lane's pitch-perfect versions of neurotic Felix Ungar and slothful Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple. This gem of a collection, which captures Simon's wit and wisdom, is the next best thing to center orchestra seats. (Feb.)