Nov 3 - 19 - Ridgedale Players in Troy Present Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park

Nov 3 – 19 – Ridgedale Players in Troy Present Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park

Troy, MI – The Ridgedale Players’ production of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” opens Friday, November 3 and plays three weekends through Sunday, November 19.

The play is the story of newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter, two opposite personalities that attract each other; she’s a romantic free spirit, and he’s a serious lawyer. After a whirlwind wedding and honeymoon, they settle into their first apartment that’s too small, too expensive and needs a paint job. An eccentric neighbor and a drop-in visit from Corie’s mother add pressure to Corie and Paul’s budding relationship. Corie thinks it could be so much better if Paul would be a little more spontaneous; running “barefoot in the park” would be a start.

For director Nancy Arnfield, it’s her first production with the Ridgedale company, and the set, a fifth floor walkup Manhattan apartment, brought back memories of her own New York apartment experience.

“(These) apartments are not fancy and feature narrow stairs, no elevators, and the doors are narrow,” Arnfield said. A few modifications were made to fit the Ridgedale stage, but the idea was to “capture the spirit of the place … Here are two kids, just married … I wanted it to look like they dumpster dived, and shopped at the Salvation Army,” Arnfield said.

Arnfield has been active in the performing arts since age six, and even worked briefly in professional theatre. In 1985, she was appointed coordinator of the Macomb County Community College theatre department. She started with 12 students, and 25 years later, enrollment grew to 250.

The Clarenceville, Mich. native, who grew up in Dearborn, loves that community theatre brings accessibility to interested people, and inspires creativity.

For Arnfield, “Barefoot in the Park” is “about human relationships: mother and daughter, letting go, and compromise in marriage. It is touching, funny, but treads lightly with the themes.”

Meghan Milunovich, who plays Corie Bratter, agrees and says the show is “very relatable for couples,” and 60 years after its stage debut, is “still relevant. The Warren resident enjoys the challenge of putting on a good show, and says community theatre teaches “resilience.”

Rochester resident Dave Klecha, who plays Corie’s husband Paul, describes the production in three words: “Funny as hell.” He is excited about taking on a role played by Robert Redford in the original 1963 stage production, as well as the 1967 movie adaptation of the play. The Marine Corps veteran believes community theatre will remain a staple of the local performing arts scene as long as there are “stories to be told in the (stage) format.”

Community theatre is a place where all ages can come together. Dennis Moylan plays the Bratter’s upstairs neighbor, Victor Velasco, who is his same age. Moylan became involved with community theatre back in 2009 with his son’s production of “Seussical.” He believes that, for children, the theatre experience teaches “socialization and communication,” and for adults, is “good for the brain.”

Phil Smith began his community theatre adventure at 50. “It’s never too late!” he said. He had not seen “Barefoot in the Park” before, but was looking for a good character fit; he found it in the telephone repairman who visits Corie and Paul’s apartment. He promises that if playgoers see this show, “They’ll laugh!”

Ridgedale Theatre has been located at 208 W. Long Lake Road in Troy since 1983. Tickets can be purchased online at ridgedaleplayers.com/tickets, or at the door.