You could almost say that Neil Simon made George Axelrod's hit show (1952) a template for his comedies. The parallels are that striking. Richard Sherman's wife, of seven years, and children are away on vacation. He has the apartment to himself and his lively subconscious, which conjures up a sexual tryst with a new upstairs neighbor (called "The Girl"). Owing to a near accident, deus ex potted tomatoes, and unlike the original, fantasy becomes reality. The play, reset by New Village Arts to 1959, is early Simon-lite. Director Amanda Sitton nicely orchestrates the farce and adds a strong period flavor (the women, in particular, dress and move pure late-Fifties). Onstage throughout, and with impressive timing, Daren Scott makes Richard a nexus of quirks and questions. Jason Bieber's quick-cut lighting mirrors Richard's perplexities. Though she could be more attracted to Richard, Jacque Wilke's Girl talks the period talk beautifully (both crisp and rapid fire). Eddie Yaroch, as a funny, vein-bulging psychologist, and Melissa Fernandes, a hoot as Richard's wife (who really goes off on him), offer strong support work. Tim Wallace's set, the apartment interior, and miniature New York exterior, ranks among his best.