Majestic Theater, West Springfield, MA
through December 16, 2012
by Walt Haggerty
In "Barefoot in the Park" playwright Neil Simon
has created one of his most endearing and enduring triumphs. The Majestic is
presenting a superb production of this first of Simon's long list of hits. In
this presentation everything works. From the moment the lights go up on the
unfurnished, fifth floor walk-up on New York's East 48th Street, the laughter
begins and, except for a few moments of tension, it never stops.
Director Rand Foerster has assembled an amazing cast for
this romantic comedy. The plot invites the audience to look in on the first
week of a newlywed couple as they settle into their first apartment,
immediately following their honeymoon. It is, as Foerster says in his
Director's Note, a "flash back in time." Yesterday's audience clearly
identified with, and thoroughly enjoyed, that nostalgic view of the past.
Darcie Champagne, as the young and impetuous bride, is
perfection. From her opening scene, without a single word of dialogue to help
her, she establishes her character while eliciting ever bigger laughs from the
audience. Matching her, laugh for laugh, is Matt Clark as Paul the husband,
also in a Majestic debut. He delivers a hilarious, boisterous, physical
performance that is a joy to witness.
In what would normally be considered secondary roles,
Barbara McEwen as the caring but intrusive mother of the bride, and Bill Nabel
as the eccentric, charming and impoverished neighbor, are both absolutely
wonderful. Their performances are exquisite examples of creating believable,
loveable characters from material that might easily be overplayed by less
skillful actors. These two are pros who never miss a beat.
Even such brief roles as Roger Patnode's Lord & Taylor
Delivery Man and Stuart Gamble's Telephone Repairman become standout gems of
humor as presented by these veteran performers.
Set designer Shawn Hill deserves special praise for his
excellent apartment setting that is transformed from drab to charming between
Acts I and II - and the snowstorm is a convincing winner.
The Majestic is a comfortable, affordable, and easily
accessible theatre producing outstanding diversified entertainment. Missing the
current production of "Barefoot in the Park" would be a mistake. It
is a complete delight.
