BWW Interviews: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK to Open at Apollo Civic Theater

Wedding season is almost here, so it is the perfect time to see a classic comedy about navigating the ups and downs in life as newlyweds! Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park opens April 4 at the Apollo Civic Theater in Martinsburg, WV.

Barefoot in the Park, Neil Simon's classic comedy, will premiere at the Apollo Civic Theater this weekend, as the second show in the Apollo's 100th annual season. After the original debut on Broadway in 1963, followed by a 2006 revival and 1976 film version, Barefoot in the Park remains one of Simon's most popular comedies. Newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter must learn to live as a couple and tolerate the hilarious ups and downs of marriage, including mother-in-laws and eccentric neighbors.

"Audiences are going to laugh a lot throughout the show. They will really relate to the characters as they watch the characters navigate though situations and their relationships. I feel that we are very true to the script and it's a fresh take on a classic" said Adam Blackstock, who plays Paul Bratter.

Although the comedy is extremely light-hearted and slightly farcical, it does have its more intense moments in depicting a rocky start to an unusual relationship.

"It's challenging to be as sarcastic and hurtful as my character gets during the fight scene without letting him become the "bad guy." I want the audience to see he's not the bad guy, he's simply human. It takes a lot for me to get confrontational in real life, so for me to come to rehearsal every night and yell at someone is not something I'm used to" said Blackstock.

The cast features Danielle Coffinbarger as Corie Bratter, Lauren Hugg as Mrs. Banks, Chuck Pierpont as Victor Velasco and Michael Noll as the Telephone Repair Man and Delivery Man.

Barefoot in the Park runs April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8:00 PM and April 6 and 13 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $15 for Friday and Saturday evening shows and $12 for Sunday matinees. Student tickets are $7 for all performances. The Apollo Civic Theater is located at 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25402. For more information about upcoming performances, please visit http://www.apollo-theatre.org/

Photo Credit: Adam Blackstock

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