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Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008
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A fresh, endearing production of Barefoot in the Park |
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| A fresh, endearing production of Barefoot in the Park | ||
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by Miryam Gordon -
SGN A&E Writer BAREFOOT IN THE PARK BY NEIL SIMON DIRECTED BY JEFF STEITZER STARRING JESSICA SKERRITT, MJ SIEBER, ELLEN MCLAIN, JOHN PATRICK LOWRIE VILLAGE THEATRE, ISSAQUAH THROUGH MARCH 2, MARCH 7-23, EVERETT This is a slight but totally charming production, perfect for whiling away the winter cold. Slapstick bits are the order of the day, a little overacting makes the laughs bigger, and the set, as usual, is top-notch. Paul Bratter (MJ Sieber) and his new wife, Corie (Jessica Skerritt), move into their first apartment. She picked it out and he discovers it's five flights up (if you don't count the stoop), drafty (there's a hole in the skylight), empty (the furniture didn't get delivered) and tiny (there's only enough room in the bedroom for the bed and there's no bathtub). Still, it's their first place. He also discovers crazy neighbors, including Victor Velasco (John Patrick Lowrie) who actually lives on the non-existent 6th floor and is an eccentric worldly traveler. Corie's conservative mother, Mrs. Banks (Ellen McLain), appears to want to visit frequently and to distract her mother, Corie sets her up as a blind date for Victor. Director Jeff Steitzer gets full value from his cast. Jessica Skerritt shines as Corie, adorable and adored, taking just the right tone of glee in her new apartment and showing just the right amounts of petulance when things aren't going her way. MJ Sieber seems almost too old to play 26, but he gets younger and funnier as the play goes on. Ellen McLain is the quintessential overly emotionally attached mother with great dry delivery of guilt-making phrases and loosens up quite credibly. John Patrick Lowrie has the European joy of fine living and the chic-shabby moocher down pat. Two tiny roles get milked for all their laughs by Jim Orr as a deliveryman and John Deveney as the telephone repairman. Deveney especially relishes his moment and seems like he's reluctant to leave the stage. The audience seemed so taken with him that they almost applauded. The one-location set (by Steven Capone) of the apartment has many subtle touches that can be seen through open doors. The bedroom in scene one is empty, and after an intermission, you can see quite opulent decoration. The double doors allow glimpses of the garden view out the back and the dangerous roof-walk looks suitably perilous. Lighting by Greg Sullivan and costumes by Alex Jaeger also decorate pleasingly. Knowing the story, I wasn't expecting much more than a pleasant experience, but the actors relish their slapstick bits and bring a freshness that tickles the funny bone. It may feel as if you haven't seen the 1963 movie or play before. It's not politically charged or educational or enlightening, but it's lots of fun. For more information, call 425-392-2202 or go to www.villagetheatre.org. Comments on reviews go to sgncritic@gmail.com. |
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