Neil Simon's

Running Through April 11, 2010

Texas Repertory Theatre Produces Enjoyable Barefoot in the Park

Chron.com review

A conservative young lawyer and his irrepressible bride struggle with marital discord after the ecstasy of the honeymoon gives way to the reality of setting up housekeeping in a five-flight walk-up in New York City. That is a brief synopsis of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park currently receiving an enjoyable production at Texas Repertory Theatre. The play opened on Friday, March 26, and runs through Sunday, April 11. 

I must admit that I had never seen the stage play. And it must be twenty years or so since I have watched the movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. 

There are some funny sight gags and some funny situations that arise, but Simon seems to be exploring the ins and outs of a young marriage and the preconceptions we have of what that looks like. 

This is no picnic. 

It takes a lot of work to keep a relationship healthy.Simon writes in the second act one of the best fight scenes ever written for the stage.Oh, it is amusing, but it is very real and very true. So don't go expecting huge and continuous laughter here.Simon wants us to be amused for certain but he is exploring much of the unfunny business of a relationship here. 

 Handsome Stephen Myers* as Paul Bratter is obnoxious, far too particular and set in his ways, but eventually moves away from many of his quirks to discover that walking barefoot in the park can be fun, even if he had to get drunk to do it in the middle of winter with snow on the ground.Myers makes a rare acting role where he does not have to sing and he is stageworthy and comfortable in his own skin.Now I would like to see the versatile Myers tackle someShakespeare. 

Beth Hopp as Paul Bratter's new wife is priceless and perfect in every way. Hopp goes from happily married to wanting a divorce to not knowing what the heck is happening within the context of Barefoot. Hopp masterfully handles each emotion with the skill of a versatile and excellent actress. 

Helen Myers* as the conservative Ethel Banks identifies with her son-in-law, Paul, most of the time, until she gets drunk with neighbor Victor Velasco and is drawn out of her shell.Myers is charming as Mrs. Banks and hilarious when she realizes that she has passed out in another man's apartment. 

Michael Steinbach is marvelous and winning as the colorful Victor Velasco who seduces Ethel Banks with Greek ouzo at a Mediterranean restaurant. 

Craig A. Miller is perfect and provides many laughs as the Telephone Repairman who witnesses the ups and downs of a newly married couple. 

Steve Fenley skillfully directs Barefoot, keeping everything moving along at a fast pace. 

Nathan Estrada designs perfect period costumes from the early sixties. Liz Freese creates a perfect five floor walk-up in Manhattan, complete with multiple levels and a skylight over the kitchen.No detail is overlooked in Freese's excellent set. Lighting design by Robert Eubanks is excellent. 

Barefoot in the Park runs at Texas Repertory Theatre through Sunday, April 20.

"A bubbling, rib-tickling comedy."-The New York Times

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