Audiences going to see the Theatre Knoxville production of Barefoot in the Park at the Bijou Theatre will be pleasantly surprised to discover Neil Simon’s romantic comedy is as fresh and lighthearted as one can imagine it was during the play’s original run at New York City’s Biltmore Theatre in 1963.
Director Robert Hahn presents a world where love leads people to highly spirited and adventurous situations. Through the eyes of Paul and Corie Bratter, the audience is reminded of how crazy and explosive loving someone completely different can be.
Barefoot in the Park tells the story of two polar-opposite newlyweds moving into their first apartment on the east side of Manhattan. Married for only six days, free-spirited Corie (Wendy Cooper) and reserved Paul (Rob Bell) are forced to deal with a tiny apartment six flights up, a building with wacky neighbors, a broken skylight and a temperamental heating system.
Emotions come to a boiling point after Corie disastrously tries to set up her uptight, obtrusive mother with the eccentric gourmet in the attic upstairs.
Barefoot in the Park does not attempt to solve the world’s problems; rather it’s a slice-of-life portrayal of the rut most couples get into after the honeymoon period.
Everyone in the cast fits beautifully into their roles, aided with a superb dialogue which fits the time period and is quite close to everyday banter that makes the characters portray a relating manner to the audience.
The performances of the newlyweds are particularly well-rounded. As Corie, Cooper brings a tremendous amount of energy to the stage. She is clearly the spark of the play, and without her the plot would stall.
Bell is the grounding element of the production. He puts together a well-balanced performance and spurs many comical moments.
Hahn, pulling double duty as Victor Velasco, the quirky upstairs neighbor, picks up the play in several slow sections and provides necessary and humorous contrast to both Bell and Cheri Compton, who plays Corie’s mother, Ethel Banks.
Compton has the best rapport with all the characters and seems very much at ease with her role of a middle-aged woman trying to find herself.
Gary Mullins is a welcome surprise as Harry Pepper, a telephone company repairman who makes several fabulous entrances into the story.
As a whole, Barefoot in the Park gives the audience a nostalgic feel for the fabulous 60s. Hahn creates an air of authenticity by weaving music from 1963 through the scenes.
Overall, Hahn’s vision of Simon’s script is a complete success. It’s a cheeky, bubbly affair that will keep the audience rolling with laughter.
Barefoot in the Park is playing at the Bijou Theatre tonight to Feb. 18 and Feb. 22-25. All performances start at 8 p.m., except on Sundays, when performances begin at 3 p.m.
