Review by Jennifer Mustoe, Front Row Reviewers
It’s Valentine’s Month and The Covey Center for the Arts has brought us Neil Simon‘s marriage romp Barefoot in the Park, a wild, funny, and often realistic look at a very new marriage. Two remarkably dewy-eyed newlyweds take us through the first few weeks of their marriage, showing laughter, excitement, and their first fight, so prepare yourself for some sweet, humorous, and realistic new marriage experiences.
Laura Herscovici as Corrie Bratter bursts onstage as a young bride with so much verve (and the funniest little jump over a cord) that we love her instantly. Herscovici’s eyes are so bright, you’d think she put eye shiner into them. (Is that a thing? Well, if there is, she uses it.) From her bouncy flip hairdo, authentic boots, jeans, necklace, and hairband, Corrie could be the cover girl for Seventeen Magazine. She putters around the Bratter apartment with so much enthusiasm, we initially look beyond the fact that this is a really small space. No tub in the bathroom, the bedroom fits a single bed, and in the first scene no furniture. Oh, and it’s on the 5th floor, which is a running (pun!) gag. And the skylight has a hole in it. And it’s a snowy, cold winter. And yet Corrie has found her palace and we see what she does, a diamond in the rough.
Covey favorite Matthew DelaFuente expands his co-starring role Telephone Man with a friendliness and his typical great timing–we fall in love with him immediately. Here is an actor who can add something important to every show he performs in. He is very likeable and adds some comic relief when it’s sorely needed.
New husband Paul Bratter (Jared Gaskill) is far more sedate than his perky bride and their differences aren’t initially apparent. He is definitely underwhelmed with his new digs, and overwhelmed with his first case as an attorney. But Paul is twitter-pated as can be and Gaskill’s ability to jump from romantic new husband to anxious husband to practical husband makes us laugh, and nod our heads. In the final act, Gaskill really shines with his truly incredible physical comedy that is so realistic we hurt and then we laugh. His falls sound real and loud and yet he bounds up with fervor. To be young, in love, and willing to take a few topples–that’s Gaskill.
Director Robinne Booth plays Ethel Banks, Corey’s mother, and approaches the role with a very non-traditional sweetness, not the typical whiny, pushy, formulaic mother-in-law. I found it charming that Paul calls her “Mother” from the start. While Ethel is quirky and maternal, she is willing to share with the young couple that she is lonely, another sweet touch I enjoyed. Booth brings all this to her character with warmth, authenticity, and sympathy. I have a genuinely sweet relationship with my daughter-in-law and feel validated that Barefoot in the Park gives Ethel Banks this same opportunity.
Eric Johnson is hilarious as oddball, eccentric Victor Velasco. Even though Barefoot in the Park focuses on young love, Velasco shows that even middle-aged folks can be fun, kooky, and adventurous. I wonder if the show would have been as interesting without Victor Velasco and Johnson makes this character so over the top adorable I think we may all want a Victor as our upstairs neighbor. However, while he is funny, he also shows an almost parental protection over this young couple. Can he see the sparks that will surely fly as Corrie and Paul will have their inevitable first fight? I’d wager yes. Johnson is silly and sage–a great combo for the right actor.
The plot is this: young couple marries + young couple moves into “interesting” apartment + couple are dewy-eyed with love and affection + couple inevitably sees their stark differences = a really huge, screaming fight. Booth gives her leads free rein to dig in with this fight, and it’s not just loud, it’s movement. Herscovici and Johnson jump around the apartment like they’re in a dog fight, and it’s a little–ahem–realistic. The story is over the top, but is it? I’ve had this fight. I’d wager every couple has.
The entire ensemble in Barefoot in the Park are excellent and Booth shows her finesse as a director. There’s a not too much feeling and there’s also no holds barred atmosphere.
Incidentally, this play was Simon’s first Broadway hit and is tells the story of his own first days of marriage with his wife Joan. So its authenticity comes from a lived experience.
The finale is wonderful and I will not say one word about it. It’s everything we want.
Jessica Moody‘s costume, hair, and makeup is authentic and the pop it gives Barefoot in the Park is delightful. Robert Seeley as Technical Director and Scenic Designer and Sound Designer creates perfection. Assistant Technical Directors Spencer Powell and Gabi Pack succeed in making this comedy flow freely. I couldn’t find a flaw from this production crew. The music from that time period (1960s) is fun, and yes, the audience all jumped in and sang along. So fun!
This the month of love and Barefoot in the Park is a sweet, fun, and realistic depiction of new marriage with all its passions. It is worth braving the sometimes chilly weather, so head over to the Covey Center for the Arts. You’ll love it.
The Covey Center for the Arts presents Barefoot in the Park, by Neil Simon.
The Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601
February 13-March 8, 2025, M, Th-Sat 7:30 PM
Tickets: $18-$20
Contact: 801-852-7007
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Note: The Covey has expanded its parking lot, but it’s still often full when there are several events there at the same time. It’s a good idea to come early–and give yourself a chance to look at the beautiful original artwork the Covey always displays in its halls.
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