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"Barefoot in the Park" captures life in the Big Apple
Last week at the opening of Barefoot in the Park at the Peacock Playhouse in Hayesville, all these features of the Big Apple came into play. The rooftop skyscrapers in the background of the set were the artistic renderings of Stephanie Forbes and the play was Neil Simon's popular comedy which appeared on Broadway in 1963. The pricey restaurant was where the characters went during their night on the town and the Big Apple Cheesecake Basket was the raffle everyone hoped to win. The Italian Mafia? That came earlier in the evening when a creative Hayesville hostess invited guests to a dinner-theatre party at her mountain-top home for a traditional Italian dinner. The only "heat" at the affair was a heaping plate of chicken cacciatore and spaghetti, accompanied by antipasto, crusty Italian bread, red wine and New York Cheesecake.
This production displays all the reasons Barefoot ran for 1,530 consecutive performances on Broadway. From the moment Corie (played with impetuous charm by Too Too Cirlot) opens the door to their oh- so-small, fifth-floor walk-up apartment, the audience was immediately swept into the world of the young New York newlyweds. Jason Swint plays Paul Bratter, her somewhat stuffy husband with just the right amount of conservative righteousness who gets a chance to really let his hair down in later scenes. Bev Larson, who played Corie's mother to perfection, is a delightful surprise- hopefully, we'll see more of this very talented lady.
Tom Payne is the odd-ball neighbor, Mr. Velasco, who takes a fancy to Corie's mother. As he has in his many previous roles, Payne brings his character to life with his convincing, well-honed skills. A veteran of Broadway shows who has lived many years in the Big Apple, John Simonelli is a welcome addition after too long an absence from the stage. In his brief appearance as a Delivery man, exhausted after climbing five flights, his comedic timing was memorable. Like Larson, he leaves theatre-goers eagerly awaiting his next performance. David Spivey is usually seen in leading roles. In this show he plays a Telephone Repairman, a small but important role, which demonstrates the versatility of his extraordinary acting abilities. Directed by Laurel Adams with flair and a keen eye for comedy, this delightful production is sure to please local audiences as much as it did those on Broadway and in theatres nationwide. Like a fine Italian wine, it will be enjoyed and savored from beginning to end- an end which sends viewers home with the musical tune New York, New York ringing in their ears.
Barefoot in the Park continues at the Peacock Playhouse Nov. 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are on sale at the box office Mon-Fri, 10AM to 4PM. Adults $13, Students and Children $8. Rated PG. For further information, telephone 828-389- 8632 or tell free 1-877-691-9906.
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