NYTimes says "Barefoot in the Park" is a go (Patrick Wilson & Amanda Peete)

[beacon1]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:17pm

This just posted by the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/29/arts/29arts.html

Another Neil Simon Couple

It's looking more and more as if the 2005-6 season will be Neil Simon's year on Broadway. With the Nathan Lane-Matthew Broderick revival of "The Odd Couple" already setting sales records - it has an advance of more than $16 million, unheard of for a straight play - now comes word of the cast for a new production of "Barefoot in the Park," the 1963 romantic comedy by Mr. Simon. Patrick Wilson (who starred in HBO's "Angels in America") and Amanda Peet (in Neil LaBute's "This Is How It Goes") will fill the roles of the newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter, originally played by Robert Redford and Elizabeth Ashley. Jill Clayburgh and Tony Roberts will also star. (Mr. Roberts replaced Mr. Redford during the Broadway run.) The new production, to be directed by Scott Elliott, begins rehearsals on Dec. 26, with an eye toward a February 2006 opening at a Broadway theater to be announced. JESSE McKINLEY

Updated On: 6/28/05 at 11:17 PM

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:23pm

so, tennesee williams and stephen sondheim get dual shows on broadway last season. neil simon this season.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:23pm

Sounds like good casting for those roles. Promising.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:30pm

Margo - would this affect the rights to a Chicago dinner theatre which is set for next Winter???

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:33pm

Fantastic casting! This should be a superb show.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:36pm

will this be amanda peet's broadway debut?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:37pm

Probably not. They usually only pull the rights to larger professional productions -- touring and regional -- nationally. I can't imagine they're too concerned about high school, amateur and dinner theatre productions unless they're in the northeast around the same time. I'd check, though, with the licensing agent to be sure.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:43pm

MC - thanks for your wisdom. It is not my production, but I know people involved.

[beacon1]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:44pm

Brdlwyr...are the files in order?

I'll be coming to NYC for this event...

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:48pm

This may be Peet's Broadway debut - I remember quite a few years ago when she played Tovah Feldshuh's daughter in AWAKE AND SING off-Broadway. I had never heard of her, but was quite impressed.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:48pm

Yes, we are working hard already.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:49pm

YAY!

[TheColorOfFlame]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:54pm

Peet received positive reviews for her performances in Neil LaBute's THIS IS HOW IT GOES at the Public, alongside an as-always amazing Jeffrey Wright and a predictable Ben Stiller. I thought she was alright. Still, I agree, Margo, exciting casting here.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:54pm

One word: THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/28/05 at 11:59pm

I found Peet absolutely luminous in "This Is How It Goes." Strikingly beautiful and a natural on stage. She should make for a very good Corie. Wilson's obviously perfect for the Redford role. Roberts is an old pro at this kind of material and it'll be nice to see Jill Clayburgh again (though she strikes me as a little young for the Mildred Natwick role -- then again I haven't seen her in anything in forever).

Updated On: 6/29/05 at 11:59 PM

[beacon1]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 12:16am

More details from Broadway.com

http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=514613

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 12:20am

I think we'll have to plan a BWW theater party!

[thespian geek]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 12:48am

Oh, I am SO there. Thank God Norbert's contract is up in February, so I was already planning another trip to NYC for that. Now I've got another show to see. Hehe.

[robbiej]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 12:50am

The only thing that has me scratching my head is Jill Clayburgh.

And Unmarried Woman as Corrie's mom???

I still remember watching a taped production on HBO. Barbara Barrie was simply flawless in the role.

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 12:58am

Utter perfection.

[BWayBoy88]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 1:23am

I Amanda Peet will be wonderful as Corrie, and Patrick Wilson will just as good as Paul

[beacon1]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 8:14am

*bump*

Because I am just soooo happy. In November it will be three years since Patrick was on Broadway ("Oklahoma").

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 10:41am

I adore the casting. I have had a lifelong crush on Jill Clayburgh, and relish any chance I can get to see her on stage. Not to mention that Wilson and Peet are ideally suited for their parts.

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 10:45am

YES YES YES!! I have been wanting this show to be revived on Broadway since I first read Neil Simon. I am SO excited!!

~Jessica

[magruder]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 10:54am

I wonder how well the play will hold up... It's still funny, but the sensibility of it is SO '60s. And Scott Elliott?