Experience the Joyous Chaos of Colonial Chorus Players' 'Barefoot in the Park'

Have the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

Colonial Chorus Players presents Neil Simon’s 1963 play, Barefoot in the Park. Set in the 1960s, newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter move into a small apartment on the fifth floor. The two encounter their first marital spat while encountering visits from apartment residents.

Laughter erupted in Colonial Chorus Players’ performance of Barefoot in the Park. This is a hilarious performance with an important commentary about marriage. Barefoot in the Park is an amusing exploration of young love and how to make marriage work.

Lauren Casey and Michael Mazzone were excellent as Corie and Paul Bratter, a young married couple. They have infectious enthusiasm and comical wit. While Corie and Paul are still in the honeymoon phase of their relatively new marriage, they still have much to learn.

Making a grand entrance after hoofing up several flights of stairs, Sue Brother is a highlight as Ethel Banks, Corie’s mother. Brother has impressive comedic timing, delivering funny lines, cracking expressive reactions, and a memorable spit take! Corie and her mother don’t see eye to eye, especially regarding the small apartment.

More credits include Glenn Wakeley and Benjamin Brennan as Victor Velasco and Harry Pepper, playing as other residents or handy workers in the building.

The apartment plays as a character of its own. Fred Gallagher’s set design brandished a small apartment that transforms from bare wood to a cozy home with furniture. Vintage furniture and home decor were loaned for this show. This apartment is far from perfect (donning a broken skylight pane), it immerses audiences in the Bratters’ world. I felt a sense of home.

Costumes, lighting, sound, and props add more layers to the story. An intimacy coordinator was also accommodated for the process. Costume designer Laura Dillon transports audiences into the 60s with stylish wardrobe.

Barefoot in the Park is the funniest show ever! The script is sharp and the dialogue is studied well by the actors. Comedy is a tough act to nail, but the actors showed no fear and went for challenges. The most comical part of the show is how actors imagine running up five (or six) flights of stairs. Even better is that it’s offstage. All the more humorous to imagine.

Physical comedy is underrated nowadays. Actors race around the stage. The way they maneuver through a slim door was another hilarious addition.

David Costa did a fantastic job as the director. He establishes the play’s themes and the message about relationships. Barefoot in the Park shines a light on relationships. Although it comes at a different time, relationships have evolved since the 60s along with ideas of marriage.

The message to Barefoot in the Park is so important. We need to be honest about our feelings. Love is hard. Corie and Paul spend most of the second act arguing if their marriage is right. The comedic elements only enhance the story, so it doesn’t weigh down on topics several audiences can relate to.

This show also has a strong message about living on your own. This theme is relatable, especially to college graduates. We’re just starting to figure out our lives. Eventually, we take that big step and move into our first home. It may not be your dream, but it’s what you have. Home is about making memories.

Barefoot in the Park plays at Colonial Chorus Players until Feb. 23. It’s an enjoyable show for all. Now I want to watch the film. This is the right show if you need a laugh.