Barefoot in the Park at Virginia Repertory Theatre

Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He’s a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she’s a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. Their new apartment is her most recent find – too expensive with bad plumbing and in need of a paint job. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic, Velasco, where everything that can go wrong does. Paul just doesn’t understand Corie, as she sees it. He’s too staid, too boring, and she just wants him to be a little more spontaneous. Running “barefoot in the park” would be a start…

The show debuted on Broadway in 1963, and was Neil Simon's second play ever. Directed by Mike Nichols, the romantic comedy became a smash hit, running for over 1,530 performances and ranking as the 10th-longest running non-musical play in Broadway history at the time. The original cast featured Robert Redford alongside Elizabeth Ashley, Mildred Natwick, and Kurt Kasznar. Though the play itself didn't receive major awards, its success solidified Simon's reputation as a leading playwright. In 1967, the story was adapted into a well-received film starring Redford (alongside Jane Fonda this time) and directed by Gene Saks. The film was a commercial success and garnered award nominations for its performances and screenplay.

Authors

• Neil Simon