A freethinking liberal clashes with a stodgy conservative. A page out of the recent presidential race? Not exactly. It is the theme of the Parkside Players’ latest production.
The movie version was a mega hit four decades ago when Jane Fonda and Robert Redford played the lead roles. Today, Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” offers dialogue and characterizations that are more amusing and entertaining than ever.
Lovely Nili Resnick, fresh from her starring role in “Bus Stop” with Beari productions, portrays effervescent Corie Bratter. She combines facial, vocal and physical expressions with charmingly attractive grace. She sweeps across the stage with arms outstretched and legs fluttering. Her brand new husband Paul is played by Andy Lucien, a newcomer to the troupe. He tackles the role with the required sober intensity in the first act and intense lack of sobriety in the conclusion. In addition to outstanding performances by Resnick and Lucien, the supporting cast is filled with scene stealers as well.
Corie’s mother Ethel (Valerie G. Keane) huffs and puffs her way up five flights of stairs without a complaint. She remains the very funny and very unconditionally loving mother throughout the play. All in spite of her unexpected inebriations, adult liaisons and unabashed motherly intrusions.
Worldly wise Harry the phone man (Johnny Young) gives a masterful performance as he gasps his lines after climbing the five story brownstone to install a princess phone. In the second act, poor Harry is caught in the verbal crossfire between the young marrieds.
Community veteran Bernard Bosio rounds out the cast as shameless freeloader Victor Velasco. He sets up a hilarious scene when he tips his hat to the newlyweds while straddling the ledge outside their window.
Director Kevin Schwab encourages physical humor from the entire cast. He has also assumed more leadership as the troupe’s newest executive president. Producers Steven Callahan, Rosemary Innes and Francesco LoJacono shake up the original 1960s suggested casting without sacrificing quality.
Kudos to Glenn Rivano (lights, sound), costumes (Rosemary Innes), set design (W. Gordon Innes) and everyone behind the scenes too numerous to mention.
The Parkside Players perform at the Grace Lutheran Church, located at 103-15 Union Turnpike in Forest Hills, just off Metropolitan Avenue. There are just two weekends remaining. Call 718-497-4922 for tix or surf to www.parksideplayers.com
British Invasion a Success at QPAC
Needless to say, there was standing room only for Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits at Queensborough Performing Arts Center this weekend. The popular entertainer sang all his greatest oldies. He also wowed the audience with musical impressions of Mick Jagger, Johnny Cash and others.
Queensborough Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community College offers more popular entertainers throughout the year. Call 718-631-6311 for info.
Despite frigid weather this fall, the performers on Queens stages are just warming up. As always, save me a seat on the aisle,
