Get ready to fall in love and laugh out loud! The Salem Community Theatre has announced its upcoming production of Neil Simon’s timeless romantic comedy and Broadway smash hit directed by Matthew Helton, Barefoot in the Park.
Opening night is this Friday! The performances are set for Friday and Saturday nights, June 20th and 21st, and June 27th and 28th, at seven pm. Matinee performances will be on Sundays, June 22nd and 29th at 3 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Director Helton expresses his appreciation for the show.
“It really is a timeless classic, I mean it opened on Broadway in the early 60s, and it is still laugh-out-loud funny. I think it is a precursor to the sitcoms that came out in the ’60s; that is sort of how I envisioned it. With the rapid dialogue and slapstick comedy. It really is comedic, it is very high mellow drama sometimes, but it really does touch your heart.”
The story introduces us to Corie and Paul Bratter, a pair of optimistic and idealistic newlyweds. Corie, a free-spirited and adventurous young woman, finds joy in spontaneity, while Paul, a more grounded and conventional lawyer, prefers order and predictability. Their journey begins as they move into a quirky, dilapidated five-flight walk-up apartment in Greenwich Village, a space as eccentric as their budding marriage. As they navigate the comical challenges of their new home, including a leaky skylight, a bizarre neighbor, and the unexpected arrival of Corie’s well-meaning but meddling mother, their differing personalities inevitably clash, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and heartwarming reconciliations.
Beyond the laughter, Barefoot in the Park tenderly explores universal themes of love, compromise, communication, and the delicate dance between individuality and partnership. It delves into the adjustments required in the early stages of marriage, the importance of embracing differences, and the discovery that true love often means stepping outside your comfort zone. Simon’s genius lies in crafting characters that feel remarkably real, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with audiences across generations.
The experienced talent-packed cast is excited to present the show, along with newcomer Jeff Higgins, who is performing in his first show.
“I recently retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections. I spent 28 years, and like I said, I just retired in January. I was looking for something to do, something fun, and my fiancés talked me into going up and auditioning. I said okay, so I did, and Matt gave me the opportunity, and I’m making the best of it.”
Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, charm, and a gentle reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little bit of spontaneity, perhaps a walk in the park-to keep love alive.
The cast for the show includes:
Corie Bratter – Marley Donoho
Paul Bratter – Bryce Stanley
Ethel Banks – Jenn Murphy
Victor Velasco – Jeff Higgins
Telephone Repair Man – Cherokee Ray
Delivery Man – Joshua Starks
Crew:
Meredith Fyke – Producer
Kathie Garren – Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Joshua Starks – Assistant Stage Manager
Kathie Garren, Jim Davis and Kent Gruenkemeyer – Set Design and Construction
Becky Helton, Kathie Garren and Cast – Costume Design
Dana Luse – Hair Design
