CAPE MAY – Cape May Stage presents Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.” This romantic comedy revolves around newlyweds Paul and Corie: He’s an up-tight lawyer and she’s a free spirit, continuously looking for the newest thrill. After a six-day honeymoon at the Plaza, they move into an expensive studio apartment with bad plumbing, wacky neighbors and five flights of stairs. The newlyweds also have to deal with their eccentric neighbor, Victor Velasco, and Corie’s well-meaning mother. In addition, they must reconcile their own personal differences in how they approach life’s challenges. She wants him to be more spontaneous and he wants her feet to stay on the ground. Adjusting to married life isn’t so easy!
Directing the cast of “Barefoot in the Park” is Cape May Stage veteran Chris Dolman. Dolman’s directing credits include “Lend Me A Tenor,” “Red,” “Doubt,” “Tally’s Folly,” “K2” and “The Drawer Boy.” He has directed professionally from Maine to Florida including the Off-Broadway world premiere of Richard Hoehler’s “Fathers & Sons” at 42nd Street’s Theatre Row.
The role of Corie will be played by Holly Williams who spent five seasons as part of the Historic Barter Theatre’s Resident Acting Company playing feature roles in up to eight productions a year. Playing opposite Williams is Stephen James Anthony in the role of Paul Bratter. Anthony has been seen on Broadway in “Skylight” and “War Horse” and also has many Off-Broadway and Regional Theatre credits to his name.
Marlena Lustik returns to Cape May Stage as Mrs. Banks after performing in last season’s production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” Portraying Victor Velasco is Cape May Stage’s Producing Artistic Director, Roy Steinberg. Steinberg has appeared on Broadway with Tony Award winner Constance Cummings in “Wings” along with many other acting, producing, teaching and directing credits.
Michael Basile, playing the telephone repair man, is another Cape May Stage veteran who has performed Off-Broadway in shows such as “Most Dangerous Man in America” and “All Dolled Up.” Playing the deliveryman is Bob Dreyfuss, freelance journalist and board member of Cape May Stage.
“Barefoot in the Park” opens on August 4 and runs through September 9. There is a pay-what-you-wish on August 12, a talk-back with the cast and crew on August 26 and a half-price senior show on September 4. For ticketing information, visit capmaystage.org or call (609) 770-8311.