Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon review by Ed Vincent Niel Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" is a well written humorous drama with tons of sight gags, situational irony, and enough reality to keep you on your feet.  Jacquelyn Zook and Andrew Weir are great in their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Bratter.  One flighty and far flung, the other down to earth and perhaps planted too firmly in reality.  Reality changes and drama is embraced with plenty of smiles and lighter moments. Village Players Theatre has had nothing but hits back to back for years now and this wonderfully staged play of young love from varied backgrounds is another toward a perfect score of grand shows.  Lorraine Fruend as Mrs. Banks is a stitch, her glamour, and the situation of unexpected amore frames the scene with joy and hope.  Norm Woodel as Victor Velasco, does a great job of portraying the wild and carefree character of a man living with passion and little else.  This is fast paced at the start and slows down to followable pace once we have the characters established.  The energy from the rise of the curtain will keep you wanting more and Neil Simons pen will entertain you with each line. We highly recommend this play, as well as getting a season subscription to this wonderful theater. VILLAGE PLAYERS THEATRE 1010 W. Madison office: 708-524-1892 Oak Park, Illinois 60302   Lorraine Fruend as Mrs. Banks (Corie’s Mother), Norm Woodel as Victor Velasco, Jacquelyn Zook as Corie Bratter, Andrew Weir as Paul Bratter. Photo by DavidTurnerPhoto.com VILLAGE PLAYERS THEATRE 1010 W. Madison office: 708-524-1892 Oak Park, Illinois 60302 THE THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE IS EXPLORED IN NEIL SIMON ’S CLASSIC BAREFOOT IN THE PARK AT VILLAGE PLAYERS I N OAK PARK Paul and Corie Bratter, fresh from their honeymoon, have moved to Greenwich Village in New York, and are looking at a life brimming with promise. But when Paul, played by Andrew Weir, a conservative and ambitious attorney, allows Corie, played by Jacquelyn Zook, a free spirit not prone to thinking about details, to choose their first apartment, a six floor walk-up with no furniture, bad paint, and a leaky skylight, their differences in outlook become hilariously apparent. She won't let him work, and he won't walk barefoot in the snow with her. Can this marriage last? "Barefoot in the Park" is one of Neil Simon's finest and most enduring comedies. Rounding out the cast of whacky characters are Corie’s Mom played by Lorraine Fruend and Victor Velasco played by Norm Woodel who is also known as one of Chicago’s top voice over actors who has been suggesting that you drink a beer that is "Smooth and refreshing as a mountain stream", take "Aleve", play "Lotto" and eat a "Subway Club" sandwich. Andrew Weir as Paul Bratter, Jacquelyn Zook as Corie Bratter Photo by DavidTurnerPhoto.com British born film director, Paul Cotter leads this talented cast in this classic comedy of American Theatre. His films have premiered at Sundance Film Festival and his commercials have been award winning. Cotter states about this American Icon “Simon's writing is undeniably quick-witted, sharp and fluent. So how better to entertain an audience while exploring how bittersweet life can be.” Tickets may be ordered at the new Village Players ticket hotline (866) 764-1010. Village Players resides at 1010 West Madison Avenue in Oak Park. About the 2006-2007 Mainstage Season Completing Village Players Season in May the human spirit soars from the depths in THE ELEPHANT MAN directed by Doug Long. * Village Players Theatre – BAREFOOT IN THE PARK * About the Company Founded in 1961, Village Players Theatre is the western suburbs’ longest running theater company, and one of the oldest companies in the greater Chicagoland area. Now entering its 46th season, Village Payers is a member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the West Suburban Theatre Connection. # # #

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