Back Alley Productions is bringing the classic Neil Simon comedy “Barefoot in the Park” to the Colonnade Theater. Performances are March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on March 28 at 1 p.m. The show runs approximately 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission. The Colonnade is located at 264 Catoosa Circle in Ringgold.
Arranged in association with licensing company Samuel French Inc., the show will give the local community a night of constant hilarity. The play follows two newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter (played by Emily Miller and Brandon Pearson, respectively) as they adapt to unexpected shortcomings in their young marriage.
The couple must navigate each other’s different personalities — Corie a free spirit, Paul a practical lawyer — in the top floor apartment of a defunct brownstone in New York City. Their new life has a lot in store for them, including a seemingly endless flight of stairs, a broken skyline and an age-delirious eccentric neighbor by the name of Victor Velasco (played by Ed Huckabee) who lives above them in an attic. Add in Corie's cautious and caring mother Ethel Banks (played by Kimberly Jones) and the couple must learn to live with the other’s quirks, one zany situation after another, if they’re going to make their happily ever after last.
"One of the best experiences within live theater is escaping into an excellent, timeless comedy," Kaylee Smith, director of the show, said. "With Barefoot, Simon puts a hilarious twist on the inevitable reality of every relationship: when the honeymoon ends and realities, shortcomings and frustrations become obvious. It shows marriage — with all the flaws and unexpected joys — in a way that we can laugh about, relate to and learn from.”
“Simon is a world class writer who knows how to bring life to the stage,” Ms. Smith added. “It’s been a privilege to take his script and give it fresh life. The cast brings the story to the stage with remarkable chemistry. You will laugh and smile well after the final curtain."
Ticket prices range from $8 to $12 per person depending on seating. Discounted group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information on seating, call 706-935-9000, visit colonnadecenter.org or visit the box office in-person.
Next from BAP:
Back Alley will be holding auditions for William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” a traveling show that will appear throughout venues in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area.
Auditions are April 13 and 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Back Alley scene shop. The scene shop is located at 1509 Burns St., Suite 6, in East Ridge.
There will also be auditions for “The Great Gatsby,” with dates and venue information forthcoming. In November, Back Alley returns to the Colonnade with Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Auditions for that show will also be announced as soon as possible.
For more information on Back Alley Production, call 706-621-2870.