Review: Harlequin Productions and Taproot Theatre Company present ‘Barefoot in the Park’ 

Raise your hand if you have ever seen Robert Redford and Jane Fonda’s iconic film adaptation of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park!” I see you, and yes, I love it too!  

OK, I know that it is relatively controversial to mention the movie when discussing a local theater production. Still, it feels natural and important to bring up because that is how many of us, yours truly included, will ultimately approach this production. I mean, come on, Redford and Fonda are unforgettable!  

However, just as a book tends to be better than its film adaptation, so too is the play. When it comes to “Barefoot in the Park,” that couldn’t be a bigger compliment, because the shoes they had to fill were enormous.  

Harlequin Productions and Taproot Theatre Company’s “Barefoot in the Park” is dessert for the soul: sweet, sometimes slightly salty, and tart at just the right moments. It will make you smile, laugh very hard, and do something that speaks to why the arts are so important: remind you that you are not alone. 

I love Simon’s approach to the romantic comedy because he centers his stories around the human experience of love. Life is complicated, messy, and sometimes people get drunk or overly exuberant when they argue.

Two people can be fighting and both be right and wrong at the same time. Is there anything more relatable? Simon’s work embraces that messiness while still having exactly the right amount of schmaltz, which I encourage plenty of in real life. 

“Barefoot in the Park” naturally invites audiences to leave cynicism at the door before metaphorically climbing the five floors it takes to reach Bratter's apartment (OK, six if you count the dreaded stoop). I encourage you to do the same when approaching this review or purchasing your ticket for the show.  

 Bravo all! 

Remember when I mentioned the shoes this cast would have to fill? Well, this jolly troupe of actors rose to the occasion, and then some. 

Christian Bolduc and Kate Anders as Corie and Paul Bratter were absolutely brilliant. Together, they came across as a genuinely believable newlywed couple without making everyone else in the audience nauseated. Bolduc and Anders gave each moment exactly the right body language, facial expressions, and tones of voice. Their chemistry felt real, and they played off each other hysterically! 

Similar things can be said of real life married couple Kim and Russ Holm, who stepped into the roles of unlikely lovers Ethel Banks and Victor Velasco. The fact that they are married in real life made me even more impressed with their acting abilities. If my husband (OK, hypothetical husband) flirted with me the way Russ did with Kim onstage, it would be nearly impossible for me not to laugh. Beyond being great together onstage, Kim and Russ were hilarious and extremely likable in their roles.  

I would be remiss not to mention that the wardrobe for this production was fabulous, thanks to Costume Designer Nanette Acosta, Wardrobe Manager Kenzie Stewart and Wig Designer Joyce Degenfelder. Seriously, if any of you ever feel like giving this girl a 1960s dream makeover, you let me know — I am here for it! 

Overall, this production was utter perfection —something I believe anyone could enjoy. There are more people behind this triumph than I could name here, but every one of them truly deserves a round of applause. 

 The director’s note 

One tradition that I find exceptionally important when attending a show is reading the director’s note. A director’s note offers profound insight for the audience, giving them a glimpse into the artistic vision behind the show or inviting them to look out for certain tidbits. It only enhances the viewing experience. 

Director Karen Lund's “Barefoot in the Park” has become my favorite. Enjoy a few of my favorite lines from her note — it is truly a luxurious read. 

• “Tonight, we invite you into one of theatre’s great laugh-out-loud love stories: a comedy about newlyweds, tight quarters, big personalities, and the wonderfully ridiculous things human beings do when we are trying to love each other well.” 

• “I love romantic comedies because they let us laugh at the most serious thing we do: love.” 

• “A good love story gives us the whole human range: vulnerability, joy, sorrow, petty frustrations, and the just-plain-ridiculousness of trying to share a life with another person. Humans are funny — and we are especially funny when we are figuring out love.” 

• “So this show is presented as a tribute to lovers young and old: to all the ‘foolish’ people brave enough to love, laugh, stumble, forgive, and build something real and lasting. 

• "May tonight remind you of the joy, absurdity, courage, and comedy of choosing love — and may you laugh loudly along the way.”  

 Hurry and get your tickets now! 

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.