by Claire DeMarco
In Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” Corie (Amanda Weber) has been married for six days. She is a vibrant soul, a free spirit. She is enthusiastic about her new walk-up flat apartment in New York. It’s small, but she loves it. Always smiling and full of energy, she waits patiently for furniture delivery. The apartment at this point only has a stove, sink and refrigerator.
Her lawyer husband Paul (Ryan Warsing) didn’t see this apartment but was able to inspect the one on the 3rd floor. He arrives at his new home, totally out of breath and speechless. This flat is on the 5th floor much to his chagrin and sorrow.
Note: The steps become an exhausting exercise for most folks who survive the climb.
Paul is much more composed than his wife, a bit straight-laced.
They now begin their lives as a married couple. But reality begins to settle in rather quickly. Corie wants every day to be a honeymoon while Paul, a new attorney has to complete work for a court case the next day. This is the seventh day after their marriage. Corie wants the honeymoon to continue.
Corie’s Mother (Christy Rodibaugh) is also affected by her daughter’s marriage. She’s on her own now, infringing on the couples’ privacy on their first day in the new flat. Subtly hinting that she lives far away from the couple (in New Jersey), Mother frets that she’s needs something to do now with her time.
New neighbor, Victor Velasco (David Bailey) seems to have easy access to the apartment from the ledge outside their window to the front door. He is well known throughout the apartment complex, harmless but engaging.
Corie and Paul soon have their first argument as a married couple. As with most relationships it takes time in adjusting to a life shared with someone else.
Note: This play was written in the 1960’s and the usual path for a couple was to date, then marry. No intermediate time for developing a relationship. Today couples often take a slower step by living together before marrying.
Does their argument lead to a more serious outcome? Do Mother and Velasco continue to interfere in the young couples’ lives?
And…Oh, those stairs! Five floors – the bane of everyone’s existence.
“Barefoot in the Park” is a delightful romantic comedy full of laugh-out-loud humor. Little Lake’s production is superb!
Weber plays the newly wed with gusto. She is quirky, optimistic and a bit self-centered. Her happiness at this new phase of her life radiates from her constant smile and upbeat enthusiasm for life in general. Even her clothes in all their bold and bright colors reaffirm her nature. Weber skillfully changes her facial expression, cadence and mannerisms when arguing with Paul.
Warsings evolves from the staid, logical lawyer in business attire to a husband coping with his wife’s perspective on life. Warsings is excellent as he develops Paul into a more nuanced personality. His use of physical gymnastics and clever facial expressions adds to this transition.
Rodibaugh’s comedic skills are superb! She conveys an occasional air-head quality as the supportive mother/mother in-law, unsure of herself. At other times she can be somewhat manipulative, looking for sympathy now that her daughter is married. When inebriated, her physical comedy shines.
Bailey fits the part as the bohemian neighbor. He’s a scamp who takes advantage of his new neighbors, but in a loving way. Bailey creates a believable flamboyant eccentric.
As the Telephone Repair Man Gallagher (breathless from the 5-step climb) finds himself involved unintentionally with the newlyweds’ antics. His facial expressions along with his verbal delivery as he’s caught literally in the middle of their heated arguments is priceless.
Costume Designer Sylvia Sims-Linkish’s selection of costumes, texture and color reinforces each character’s persona.
Art DeConcillis adds another top notch to his director’s belt.
-CED
“Barefoot in the Park” runs June 12th to June 29th at Little Lake Theatre Company, 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg, PA. 15317. For more information, click here.
