Munk on "Barefoot in the Park"

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 2:02am

Just for those of you that care.

Sueleen, I already know you don't care.

I reluctantly attended the matinee today on a whim - and I say reluctant because I have been hearing nothing but dreadful things about the show.

I'm almost ashamed to admit that this was my first exposure to the show, so I had no idea what to expect. Despite this, I can pretty safely say with some confidence that this show is anything but the trainwreck that it is said to be.

No, it's not the kind of edge-of-your-seat, reinvented revival that tends to attract me (and critics), but I found it to be extremely pleasant and more than serviceable. Unlike the other Neil Simon travesty occuring just across Broadway, this show kept my attention from start to finish, and yes, I actually cared about the outcome of Paul and Corie's marriage.

I don't credit this at all to this production or to it's female star, but to Neil Simon for writing a very accesible, loveable play. So yes, if you couldn't already tell, I enjoyed myself. I would even go as far to say that I thought they did a good job, and that I think this is more than just mediocre.

No, I don't see any Tony's in sight for this one, but I can't help but be confused about all the bad word of mouth. I have some major issues with Amanda Peet - who should not be on Broadway (and should learn how to speak on stage without screaming). She's an okay film actress, but she's really quite out of her element here. I would say that she has potential, so that could possibly be attributed to poor director. She had some okay moments, and I think she got atleast one chuckle out of me, but most of her performance rang pretty false and forced - and WHY IS SHE SCREAMING?

The rest of the cast is wonderful - atleast in my opinion. Patrick Wilson, Tony Roberts, and the fabulous Jill Clayburgh are all rising to and above the occasion here. Too bad they don't have a better leading lady to work with - I think the production (and the audience) deserves it.

I don't think it's one of the best plays ever written, and this is admittedly a forgettable production, but it's just wonderful for me as a 20 year old theatre goer to be able to go into a theatre and see revivals of productions that were major in their day. Even if the production is mediocre, it provides me with a glimpse - if even for a split second - what it must have been like to attend the theatre during the true golden age. And because of that, if only for that, this production is welcome - atleast by me.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 2:16am

great review!!! i was also expecting to get bored at the theatre, it usually happens to me with all the plays, but this play kept me entertained all along.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 2:21am

Well, I don't usually get bored at plays, just bad ones. And let's face it, there's only been a handful of good plays in the last few years that I can even remember seeing.

[beacon1]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 8:16am

Munk,

THANK YOU for sharing your positive experience at "Barefoot". My friends who have gone have enjoyed themselves and have been almost embarrassed to say so--given the critic's response.

I'm going in a few weeks and am looking forward to it.

[Esparzafan]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 8:49am

Munk,

Thank you so much for your insight. I bought tickets for my husband's birthday in March as we were both thought it looked like a fun show. After all of the negative press, I was starting to doubt our choice and to dread going to see it. I'm glad to hear your experience...and thank you for writing it.

Christine

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 8:56am

Thank you for your review. I'm glad we agree on one thing, that Amanda Pete does not belong on Broadway...yet. There were some moments that I enjoyed, but overall I thought it was a bore. I thought Jill Clayburgh was the best thing about the show. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

[myManCape]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 9:42am

Munk> Are they still playing the jingles between scenes? I really liked that and I honestly think it help to break up the drama so its not as easy to get bored.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 9:43am

Curiosity question:

I saw the original production of BAREFOOT twice (Redford, then Robert Reed). I also directed a fine high school production of the play. I don't remember Mrs. Banks smoking cigarettes. Of course, this is something I may have cut from the high school version, but I can't remember Mildred Natwick lighting up on stage. Jill Clayburgh
must smoke 4 or 5 cigarettes in this version.

Does anyone have a better memory than I do?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 1:11pm

Yes, they're still using the music.

I don't know about the cigarettes, but that's interesting...paging Margo...

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 2:13pm

Munk,

Personally I always thought Parker Posey would make an amazing Corie Bratter.

How do you think she would have done in comparison to Peet?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 2:26pm

Anyone would have been better than Peet.

[beacon1]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 2:34pm

Parker Posey--THAT would be interesting casting! :o)

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 3:30pm

I LOVE your writing Munk! BTW, I just got the Elaine Stritch At Liberty CD and listened to the first disc in my car on the way to school today! I'm loving it!
Updated On: 2/23/06 at 03:30 PM

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 4:06pm

poor Amanda, she was good! stop it!!! hehe

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 4:07pm

Yea, Elaine Stritch is amazing. I'd love for her to have played Corie's mom...

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 6:42pm

Nice review. Thanks

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 7:48pm

Apparently muscle can't comprehend people disagreeing with his taste.