Enthusiastic cast gets ready for "Barefoot in the Park"

Photos by Pam Roman "Corie," played by Too Too Cirlot and "Mr. Velasco," played by Tom Payne, engage in playful antics after a night on the town.

Putting on a live stage play involves many variables, including the sometimes-difficultand demanding personalities of artistic prima donnas.

When Barefoot in the Park opens this weekend at the Peacock Playhouse, audiences will see some of those variables- set, costumes, sound and lighting- as well as the actors who portray the endearing characters in Neil Simon's three-act comedy.

Rehearsing their parts was as much fun for the cast as it will be performing it for audiences when it opens this weekend at the Peacock Playhouse. There are only six characters in the play, and each portrays his comedic role to perfection. Their responses to one another make this exactly what the playwright intended- a hilarious comedy enjoyed by players and audiences alike.

When "Paul," played by Jason Swint, catches a cold, you know he has a cold and it's not just his nose that's "stuffy," as his bride points out.

Photos by Pam Roman The cast of "Barefoot in the Park"; L to R David Spivey, John Simonelli, Tom Payne, John Swint, Bev Larson, Too Too Cirlot-with Director Laurel Adams and Co-Stage Manager, Kay Thomas.

David Spivey, as the "Telephone Repairman," fancies himself a very funny guy and laughs at his own jokes, as will viewers.

As the flighty, naive mother, Bev Larson's attempts to discourage the unwanted attentions of her daughter's philandering neighbor are hysterical. The neighbor, "Mr. Velasco," a sophisticated world traveler played by Tom Payne, first had his eye on "Corie," but when he meets her mother, he changes directions.

Too Too Cirlot's sparkling personality is perfect for the role of "Corie," the bride of six days, who is soooooo much in love with her new husband.

Another gem of a character is John Simonelli as the "Delivery Man," who reaches the apartment after climbing fiveflights of stairs with an armful of awkward packages.

One thing about this play and its players that will surely add to its success is their genuine affection for each other and respect for one another's talents. There are no prima donnas among this cast. It was as much fun for everyone preparing the production as it will be for the audiences who see it.

"I've done many plays with the Licklog Players, and this one has been a relaxing environment to work in," said John Simonelli, a veteran Broadway actor.

David Spivey, a successful Franklin attorney who serves on the Board of Directors, thinks the show "has a very strong cast from top to bottom, with Too Too Cirlot in the lead, supported by other experienced actors."

Tom Payne, a long-time Licklog Player, feels the show has a marvelous cast and director in Laurel Adams.

"She doesn't just direct," he said, "she teaches every aspect of live theatre. Her attention to detail and techniques were well-received and greatly appreciated by the entire cast. The way she coordinated the construction of the set was amazing.

"I can't recall in any of the plays I've been involved in that the set was completed so quickly- and in such finedetail- as this one has. It was a big help to have it ready during rehearsals because everything was in its place, not just tape on the floor."

Show dates for Barefoot in the Park are Nov. 2, 3, 4 and Nov. 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are on sale at the Peacock Playhouse box officeMon- Fri, 10AM to 4 PM. Adults $13, Students and Children $8. Rated PG. For further information, telephone 828- 389-8632 or toll free 1-877- 691-9906.

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