Hello! Thank you for joining us for Colonial Chorus Players’ production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. I am honored to make my Colonial Chorus Players’ directorial debut with this classic comedy.
Neil Simon was one of the most popular playwrights in the history of American theatre, writing more than thirty plays and garnering endless awards and accolades. I think what made Simon so beloved was that he truly understood people and saw the humor in our idiosyncrasies. He appreciated the human condition and the relationships we have with each other.
That’s what Barefoot in the Park is about—relationships. At its core, Barefoot in the Park focuses on the romantic relationship between two newlyweds. Like most budding relationships, everything is wonderful at the beginning but then the reality of day-to-day life sets in. What happens to a relationship when the “honeymoon” period is over?
It’s important to note that Barefoot in the Park takes place in 1963, a time when people got married before living together. Couples dated, fell in love, got married, and then moved in together. Barefoot highlights the “growing pains” couples go through while figuring out life together.
Simon shines the spotlight on other types of relationships in Barefoot as well. Even though Barefoot was only the second play he wrote, I think you will see why it has endured the test of time. I suspect every audience member will recognize someone they know in one of the characters, if not themselves.
Thank you again for joining us. Sit back, laugh, and enjoy Barefoot in the Park!
Be well,
David
