Review: Neil Simon's charming rom-com, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK nestles in at McKinney Repertory Theatre

Barefoot in the Park

By Neil Simon
Directed by Nathan Autrey
Assistant Directed by Lin Roberts
Produced by McKinney Repertory Theatre

Audience Rating: PG13- adult language, adult situations
Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available, call or email ahead of time
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: August 2nd Matinee, interpreter Karl Lewis
Volume Level: Comfortable volume level
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: None of Note

Reviewed by Teri Williams

There is a reason theatres flock to produce shows by Neil Simon. Simon wrote stories with heart, wit, interpersonal dynamics and character arcs guaranteed to leave the audience in good spirits. Barefoot In The Park is such a story as we take ourselves to the 60’s in NYC and meet and fall in love with an array of characters. Barefoot is the story of newlyweds, lively Corie Bratter (Janal Agbor) and reserved Paul Bratter (Hagan Paulson). We enter their lives after only six days of marriage and as we get to know them, we realize they are also only getting to know one another. Navigating the early stages of a marriage, while moving into a new apartment (a 5th floor walkup with no elevator, which is a comedic running gag throughout the show) and realizing that honeymoon phase is short lived when opposites who attract have to face the realities of their differences. And then you add in a prying mother-in-law and a quirky neighbor and this often explored romantic trope still engages an audience with wonderful character driven moments and charm. 

Director Nathan Autrey skillfully brought together this inviting cast with whom we laugh and fall in love with dearly. Janal Agbor, as Corie, is vivacious, stinkin’ adorable and lights up every moment with her firecracker-like energy. Hagan Paulson, as Paul, properly portrays the calmer dynamic (until he doesn’t…) as the young professional lawyer with a more reserved demeanor. Putting these two on stage together was a brilliant move as their dynamics and palpable chemistry radiated throughout the theater. In what is a classic first fight scene, Agbor and Paulson bring us all back to our first days of marriage and make us cringe (in a good way) with their vocal and physical portrayals.

Corie and Paul realize quickly their apartment (spectacularly designed by Autrey and wonderfully constructed by master carpenter Edward Struble) is not quite the haven they had in mind, with no heat, broken skylights, no bathtub and a neighbor with no seeming boundaries. As written, Victor Velasco is already eccentric and quirky, but in the talented hands of Lloyd Webb, Velasco is off the charts amusing. Webb has a villain-like quality to his voice and physical demeanor, yet in this role he transforms and becomes the best friend we all want to have living near us. The scene in which we see Victor and Corrie coming home a wee bit tipsy is pure comedic gold by the two actors. 

Adding to the cast of characters, is Mother. Corie’s mother to be exact. As any daughter will tell you, the visits from Mother in your new place with your new husband are often anxiety ridden. And with the formidable actor Deborah Barrax as Mother, the delights just keep hitting. Barrax is the epitome of “if my mouth doesn’t say it, my face will.” She serves us with her talented physical demeanor, what a pleasure Barrax is to watch. 

In the world of theatre, there is a saying,  “there are no small roles, only small actors.” And by golly, if Luka Gurgenidze (telephone repair man) and Tim Gilts (delivery man) are not the reason for such a quote. On stage for merely a few minutes, Gurgenidze and Gilts relish every second of their roles in charming fashion. The same can also be said for the moving company in what is a brilliantly choreographed scene. 

McKinney Repertory Theatre is home to a unique theatre space in the old courtroom of the McKinney Performing Arts Center and seeing shows here evoke a nostalgic charm. Barefoot in the Park is the perfect story to be told in this setting and with all the laugh-out-loud moments and talents on stage and behind the curtains, this show should not be missed. Tickets can be purchased at mckinneyrep.org

To The Stage, 

Teri Lynn Williams