BAREFOOT IN THE PARK Comes to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre 9/22

The trials and tribulations of newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter are front and center as The Yardley Players present "Barefoot in the Park" at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre. Dates and times for this classic Neil Simon comedy are Fridays, Sept. 22 and 29 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sept. 23 and 30 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Sept. 22.

Following a blissful honeymoon, Corie and Paul Bratter begin life in their tiny New York apartment only to discover the hurdles that accompany a marriage of opposites. Corrie is free-spirited and impulsive, while Paul is a proper young attorney focused on advancing his career. Soon Paul is questioning Corie's judgment while she is questioning his sense of romance and adventure. The discord escalates when Corie attempts to play matchmaker between her widowed mother, Ethel, and their eccentric neighbor, Victor. Will the young couple find their way to a compromise before it's too late to live happily ever after?

Simon's first play is full of the snappy dialogue and witty one-liners that became the trademark of his subsequent work. The play premiered on Broadway in 1963, starring Robert Redford and Elizabeth Ashley. A film version followed in 1967, also starring Redford, with Jane Fonda as Corie.

The Yardley Players' production stars Gina Migliaccio of Hamilton as Corie Bratter and Evan Bilinski of Franklin Park as Paul Bratter. Also featured are Cathy Coryat of Cream Ridge as Ethel, Matthew Cassidy of Morrisville, Pa., as Victor, Barry Leonard of Monroe Township as the Telephone Man, and Dan Mucha of Yardville as the Delivery Man.

The production team includes Producer Marge Swider, Director Liz Wurtz, Stage Manager Tristan Takacs, Set Designer Jim Kenna, Lighting Designer M. Kitty Getlik, and Sound Tech Michael Almstedt. Props are by Jill Katz and the program is by Shan Williams.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. Visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a 2017-18 season brochure.