Neil Simon's 'Barefoot in the Park' opens in Glendale

--- Theater review

Glendale Centre Theatre rings in the New Year – and their 2009 Season – with Neil Simon´s entertaining comedy, "Barefoot in the Park."

Set in New York in the 1960s, the play follows newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter, as they settle into married life in their new apartment.

Corie is the romantic, adventuresome type; Paul is more level-headed and practical. She sees the apartment as a perfect "love nest," he notices the furnace that doesn´t work, the hole in the skylight, and the bedroom that is no bigger than a closet.

Corie´s plans for a romantic "first night in their own apartment," including champagne and a slinky, black negligee, are dashed when her lawyer husband is more excited about preparing for his first court case the next day. A minor squabble ensues and Corie accuses Paul of never being spontaneous.

Their tiff is interrupted by a visit from Corie´s genteel mother, Ethel Banks – who tries hard to be supportive, but is dismayed by the tiny, chilly apartment her daughter has chosen – and by Victor Velasco, their flamboyant upstairs neighbor, who must go through their bedroom to get to his attic apartment.

No one anticipates the disastrous and hilarious events that soon follow when Corie´s matchmaking attempts between these two go awry. Can either relationship survive a night of ouzo and honesty?

The answer, and the rest of the play, is classic Neil Simon magic. Needless to say, things come together at the end (and a tender truth is revealed), but what a wild ride he takes us on along the way.

Kudos to director Diedra Celeste Miranda for choosing a stellar cast of actors who deliver consistently strong and memorable performances.

Kyle Kelly is delightful as the good-natured telephone installer and impromptu marriage counselor.

Dean Ricca plays Velasco with just the right amount of lovable wackiness.

Stephanie Jones is mesmerizing as Corie´s mother and easily steals most of the scenes she´s in.

Most impressive perhaps is the sharp, flawless delivery of both banter and dispute between Corie and Paul, as performed by Abigail Kochunas and Michael McKiddy. They are truly accomplished actors.

If "Barefoot in the Park" is any indication of the high-quality production values of the upcoming shows in 2009, then GCT patrons, and especially season ticket holders, are in for a real treat.

"Barefoot in the Park" plays Thursday-Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm, through February 7, 2009.

Admission is $18.00 - $23.00. (Group & school rates available) For reservations call: (818) 244-8481.

GCT is located at: 324 N. Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91203