Appealing Revival of Barefoot in the Park @ GROUP rep

Barefoot in the Park
by Neil Simon
directed by Stan Mazin
GROUP rep @ Lonny Chapman
through October 31

For those who grew up in the 60s, it is easy to see why Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park (1963) was such a tremendous hit. Corie Banks Bratter (Melissa Soso) and Paul Bratter (Christian Kehoe) are the young newlyweds next-door, that everyone can relate to. Typical as well, they have day vs. night personalities. She is as sparkling, fun-loving and open-minded as he is sedate, serious and closed-in. They are different, but in the long run it does not get in the way. Today, sadly, they might actually divorce and never reconcile: alas , who knows? Differences are more the style in 2010, so they might just make it. After all, a young couple in love had and still do have hopes and dreams. That fact will never change. Simon's crisp dialogue and funny offbeat situations are certainly as timely as ever , and in GROUP rep's stunning production, the look and feel of the 60s are kept vibrantly alive thanks to a great cast and Stan Mazin's meticulous expertise as director.

Soso is a terrific actress. Her Corie is energetic, beautiful and lovable to a fault. Today Corie would be called high maintenance, but it's not really a negative appraisal. Soso makes her antics so genuine that we root for Corie to squeeze as much from life as she can. She is assuredly never selfish...women today, take note! Kehoe makes a delightful Paul, especially in his duels with Corie. Though intense, he never actually opposes her, remaining detached and human enough to accept marriage's newfound pitfalls. Even when he leaves briefly, we sense underneath that Paul is just going through the motions and will be back. Kathleen Taylor as Mrs. Banks, although a tad over-the-top, wins our hearts. Taylor makes Ethel's caring support of her daughter and willingness to change her own lifestyle totally real and admirable. Very funny with the exasperation and confusion of her unexpected drunkenness and its aftermath, she does need, though, to work more on Ethel's straight-laced nature. Robert Gallo as Victor Velasco is a charmingly wise eccentric and his built-in silliness, thoroughly enjoyable. He could, nevertheless, be even more seductive and, on a minor note, he should be more consistent with the accent he chooses. In smaller roles Mark Atha and Henry Holden add lots of humor, especially Atha as the telephone repair man. His flustered Paul Lynde-like delivery is a scream.

Set design by Chris Winfield, set decoration by Stan Mazin, costumes by Diana Martin and quick pacing by Mazin could not be better. Of course, some of Simon's lines are corny and a bit dated by today's standards, but they are still disarmingly funny. "Six days does not a week make", for example - who talks that way? - is a nonsensical reason for wanting a divorce, but in the scene it works hilariously. Not one other living playwright today has managed to master the wit and brilliance of a comic retort quite like Neil Simon.

This is a wonderful stroll down memory lane for those that remember the original film of Barefoot in the Park (1967). Soso and Kehoe have wondrous chemistry together and make you query....now what stars played those roles? Of course, Fonda and Redford are unforgettable, but in their own special way, so are these two young actors. For those that have never experienced the play or any Simon, you are in for a treat.