THE BASICS: It was way back in ’63 when lovable newlyweds Corrie and Paul Bratter first graced the New York theater scene, in Neil Simon’s BAREFOOT IN THE PARK. The hit comedy has had tremendous “legs”, delighting audiences almost continuously since then. The popular 1967 film featured Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. The present mounting, at the Jewish Repertory Theatre on North Forest Road in Amherst, is playing weekends (no Fridays) through May 21st. Brian Cavanagh directs a cast of five. BAREFOOT runs just a little over two hours, with its single, 10 minute intermission.
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: The action takes place on the top floor of a brownstone on E 48th street in NYC. The apartment isn’t much to brag about, but the starry-eyed Bratters are too much in love to care. Paul struggles with his new lawyer job; Corrie redecorates but mainly walks around being adorable. She’s a genuine free spirit. The plot centers around Corrie’s attempt to fix up her lonely Mom with a crazy Hungarian, Victor Velasco, who is living in the attic. An unusual dinner out (for four) goes very badly, leaving everyone confused. Afterwards, Corrie and Paul have their first real fight, a barn-burner, and contemplate divorce. It is not until the very end that domestic peace is restored.
THE PLAY, THE PLAYERS AND THE PRODUCTION: Mr. Simon’s plays are almost always strong in the laugh department, and BAREFOOT is certainly no exception. You will find yourself chuckling quite consistently. All these years later, though, PARK seems like a pretty trivial outing; there’s really nothing to sink your teeth into. The various characters are well drawn, but veer towards caricature. It’s kind of like watching a full length 60’s sitcom. Music from veteran Tom Makar heightens the 60’s vibe. The cast is uniformly first rate. I particularly enjoyed Rene Landrigan’s bubbly Corrie and David Lundy’s urbane, goofy Velasco (shades of Bela Lugosi). The design work, though not exceptional, is perfectly adequate. Director Brian Cavanaugh delivers the goods with a single intermission. I was most impressed by his handling of the vicious spat that is the highlight of the “second” act.
While BAREFOOT, an early Simon, lacks real substance and does feel dated, it’s pretty darn enjoyable from start to finish. If you don’t go in with enormous expectations, you are almost certain to be pleased.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!
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