Review By Rae Hunt, Front Row Reviewers
I experienced one of the most comedic slice-of-life plays when I attended Barefoot in the Park by Timpanogos Valley Theatre, located in the beautiful Heber Valley. Barefoot in the Park, said to be based on playwright Neil Simon’s first marriage is a charming and humorous story about newlyweds Corie Bratter (Julie Doud) and Paul Bratter (Nathan Smith), who have moved into the top floor of an apartment building in order to discourage visitors to come over as the young lovers settle in. This doesn’t stop Corie’s mother, Ethel Banks (Beth Knight) who is overly involved in her daughter’s life and keeps coming over anyway. Trouble brews from several corners in their early marriage. Ethel’s unwelcome visits and Paul’s new job as a lawyer should be enough. Add in issues with the apartment as well as dealing with their eccentric older neighbor, Victor Velasko (Matthieu C. Kohl) who keeps using their apartment to access his own since the landlord locked him out for missing rent and you have a comedy fit for all. The chaos comes to a head one crazy evening when Corie tries to set her mother up with the neighbor and through the evening’s misadventures, she begins to question her relationship with her new husband. Will they be able to work through their frustrations and realize they really do love each other or will they part ways forever?
Doud and Smith are perfectly cast as the new new newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter. Together their chemistry really shines in the performance even though their characters couldn’t be more different. For Doud, this performance means the world to her as it was put on hold due to lockdowns in 2020. Doud really sells the character of Corie, a new bride, flirty and eager to please her new husband. She has, by far, the most lines and delivers them perfectly. Smith, her co-star agrees and says she has a “knockout performance”. For Smith, he really loves the way the story highlights how early marriage can be a mix of different expectations and misunderstanding and how the couple works through them. His own performance is outstanding and his facial expressions convey Paul’s feelings exceptionally well. Paul being a much more serious individual, wants to be a successful lawyer so badly, he misses all the cues his wife is trying to distract him. It’s really quite charming and hilarious.
Knight plays Corie’s mother, Ethel Banks. Yes, she cares for her daughter but at the same time pulls off the “crazy mother-in-law” who keeps dropping in to visit despite having to climb five flights of stairs (six if you count the stoop). Mother Banks has such a fun accent and sense of style, which makes it even more funny when she shows up in something less than couture in one scene. I really enjoy the banter between Ethel and Victor as well. The two characters are the same brand of crazy and it’s clear why Corie was trying to set them up.
Victor Velasko, played by Kohl, is an odd neighbor who lives in the building’s attic. He initially comes off as being a bit creepy toward Corie. As the play progresses, you see the friendship he develops with the newlyweds as he uses their apartment window and ledge as a path to his own. Kohl does a fantastic job with this character and he steals the scene whenever he’s onstage. He really delivers on the comedic lines and situations.
One other character to mention is the telephone repairman, Henry. He is onstage twice, once to install the phone and another time he comes to fix it. Played by Cevin Carr, he adds just the right amount of tension or comedy, depending on the scene and adds a special spunk to the already amazing hilarity. And while not credited in the playbook, the stage hands are enjoyable as well. You could see them silhouetted as they did set changes and they’re dancing to the music. Very enjoyable!
Timpanogos Valley Theatre’s producer Tara Wall and director Robyn Laine collaborate to make Barefoot in the Park an enjoyable romp. Laine’s vision brings this story to the stage with vibrancy. Kara Charlesworth’s Costume Design is wonderful and looks authentic and groovy on Corie and businesslike on straight-laced Paul. Set Design by Laine, Gary Harter, Doud, and Jessica Wall plant us smack dab in the 60s. The lighting by Brenna Wall and Sound design by Wall are also fantastic with just the right touches to bring us a fully entertaining experience.
The Timpanogos Valley Theatre is in a small community venue with a lovely atmosphere and nice concessions featuring fresh popcorn. Barefoot in the Park is a wonderful example of their attention to detail and their willingness and ability to bring great entertainment to the community.
Timpanogos Valley Theatre presents Barefoot in the Park, by Neil Simon.
Timpanogos Valley Theatre, 90 N 100 W, Heber City, UT 84032
Oct 6 – Oct 14, 2023, 7:00 PM See site for individual performance details.
Tickets: $10 Adults / $8 Children
Contact: (435) 654-2125
Timpanogos ValleyTheatre Facebook Page
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