Go for a walk ‘Barefoot in the Park’
and laugh at the cold
By DEBORAH SKOZEK | Woodstock
Independent
What best brightens a cold and
dreary spring? May I suggest, “The
play’s the thing”? Woodstock Musical
Theatre Company’s production of Neil
Simon’s sparkling comedy classic,
“Barefoot in the Park” provides two
energy-packed hours of laughter,
romance and for those of a certain
age, nostalgic longing for the music
and fashions of the 60s.
From beginning to end, the play is
well produced and well acted, a
truly successful ensemble effort.
The clever and innovative set
encompasses the entire stage and
owes much to Kent Wilson, set
designer and master carpenter, and
Erin Denk, scenic artist/set
dresser. The all-important skylight
with a broken pane, essential to the
play’s climax, is remarkable.
Thanks to Mary Beth Brown, Virginia
Zymonas and Beth Davis, the
furnishings, costumes and hairdos
along with the 60s music, played
before the play begins and before
each of the three acts, transport
the audience back in time.
Played to perfection by the leggy
and energetic Anne Dowd-Fisher, the
beautiful and free-spirited newlywed
Corie Bratter, bounces onstage,
gamboling about the one-room love
nest (five flights up not counting
the stoop) she has rented and
painted. Eventually, the serious and
practical Paul, portrayed by the
handsome Kevin Goss, makes his
entrance, huffing and puffing. The
two actors exhibit a most believable
chemistry.
Corie’s widowed mom, Ethel Banks,
is played by seasoned actor Kathie
Comella who makes great use of her
physical and vocal skills to capture
the essence of an understanding yet
lonely mom. She is a wonderful foil
for the spry and dapper Jim Pierce,
who plays the foreign gourmand and
ladies’ man Victor Velasco.
Director Laura Schmidt uses the
talented actors to great effect,
including the burly Chris Warren as
the empathetic telephone repairman,
and hilarious Bob Riner, as an
out-of-breath deliveryman. Light
Designer Rick Amundsen, Stage
Manager Ruth Zulas and Technical
Coordinator Elaine Riner also earn
kudos for all the small but
important extras that go unnoticed
unless they go wrong.
The opening night audience laughed
early and often. The young woman who
accompanied me admitted that despite
the slow beginning, she found the
play most entertaining, developing a
particular fondness for the rakish
Victor Velasco. In addition, three
couples seated behind me that saw me
taking notes asked me to “Spread the
word; this is a good one!” And so I
am.
Performances will be at 8 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, April 10, 11,
17, 18 and 24, 25 and at 3 p.m.
Sundays, April 19 and 26, at the
Woodstock Opera House. Call
815-338-5300 for tickets.