A look at some of Neil Simon’s notable works

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (1963)

Elizabeth Ashley and Robert Redford starred on Broadway in this “bubbling, rib-tickling” comedy, as

The New York Times put it about the strains of marriage on a young couple living in New York City. The show, Simon’s first big Broadway hit, was nominated for four Tony Awards, including best play, with Mike Nichols winning for best director.

THE ODD COUPLE (1965)

This comedy about mismatched roommates Felix (the clean one, played by Art Carney) and Oscar (the messy one, played by Walter Matthau) was another Broadway smash for Simon. The play was turned into a 1968 film.

PLAZA SUITE (1968)

Simon’s next Broadway hit was this omnibus comedy, which tells three separate stories, all set in Suite 719 of the Plaza Hotel.

THE HEARTBREAK KID (1972)

Simon’s adaptation of Bruce Jay Friedman’s short story A Change

of Plan teamed him with the comedian-turned-filmmaker Elaine May, who directed this critically acclaimed comedy.

CALIFORNIA SUITE (1978)

Expanding the premise of Plaza Suite and moving it across the country, Simon set this four-act comedy/ drama in Suites 203 and 204 of the Beverly Hills Hotel.

BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS (1983)

An autobiographical play set in 1937 Brooklyn. The play was the first in what is known as Simon’s Eugene trilogy, which also includes the Tony-winning play Biloxi Blues (1985)

LOST IN YONKERS (1991)

Simon won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award for this drama, set in 1942.

45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY (2001)

Simon’s last original work on Broadway was this comedy set in a coffee shop.