Neil Simon's experience writing gags for television in the 1950s helped prepare him for his commercially successful years delivering a string of Broadway hits. In 1973, following the death of his wife Joan from cancer at age 40, he began writing plays that have comic elements but are much darker in character and are less frequently produced.
In "God's Favorite," based on the biblical book of Job, the protagonist is Joe Benjamin (Steve Gustafson), a devout multimillionaire who has everything one could want: a flourishing business, a palatial home, a loving wife, and loyal servants. He attributes all this to God. There's a hitch, however. God's local emissary, Sydney Lipton (Greg Baldwin), arrives from Queens to report that God has named Joe his very favorite person, which has prompted Satan to make a bet that if Joe's trials are horrific enough, Joe will renounce God. Joe proclaims that his faith is unshakable.
Simon is at his best when he teams lead characters to trade one-liners, as in "The Odd Couple" or "The Sunshine Boys." The pairing of Gustafson and Baldwin is inspired, as both are instinctive comic actors. Baldwin mines every nuance of comedy in his goofy characterization, enlivening the show as he comes and goes throughout the play. Act 2 gives Gustafson his moments to shine, as Joe is beset with torment from every quarter. His house and business have burned down, his money is gone, and he suffers physical agonies that are absurdly hilarious.
Director Greg Zerkle integrates his supporting actors well, though those playing Joe's twin children (Adam Dlugolecki and Rhonda Kohl) suffer the unfortunate fate of adult actors pretending to be goofy kids. Rebecca Hayes is pleasant as Joe's wife; Jeff Guilfoyle delivers a serviceable eldest son; and Montelle Harvey and Kimi Walker are amusing as the servants. Mark Svastics' set, as it transforms from elegant to ruined, adds to the comedy.
The conceit of setting the action on a TV soundstage, with filmed commercials from the 1970s, adds little to the show. Its success is in the characterizations, and Gustafson and Baldwin are a dynamic duo.
Presented by Actors Co-op at the Crossley Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. Oct. 8–Nov. 14. Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. (323) 462-9460, ext. 300, or www.actorsco-op.org.