The-News-Leader.com - Theater says bye bye to 'Birdie,' goes 'Barefoot in the Park'

Western Reserve Playhouse recently announced it had to cancel its planned production of "Bye, Bye, Birdie" this summer. The theater will replace it with Neil Simon's 1963 comedy "Barefoot In The Park."

"Barefoot in The Park" will run Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 16.

Loosely based on Simon's own early wedded days with his beloved wife Joan, "Barefoot" details the comic misadventures of young attorney Paul Bratter and his spunky free-spirited wife Corie in their first cramped five-flight New York City walk up apartment with no elevator.

The couple barely moves in when they are hosting Corie's rather prim but charming mother Ethel Banks and an eccentric neighbor Valasco. After a misbegotten dinner, an inebriated Corie and Velasco and a vexed Mrs. Banks and Paul return and the couple have a knock-down, drag out fight. After the marriage seems to be on the rocks, misadventure and slapstick abound throughout the play until all the problems are ironed out.

This show will be directed by Dan Sekanic, a past WRP board member.

WRP would like to cast area leaders and community notables in a cameo of the delivery man or woman and is seeking input in this decision. For details or suggestions, call 330-620-7314.

Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with a Sunday show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Group discounts are available.

Western Reserve Playhouse is at 3326 Everett Road, at the corner of Revere Road at the Bath/Richfield township line in Summit County, close to Interstates 217 and 77.

Auditions

Western Reserve Playhouse also will be auditioning for "Night Watch," by Lucille Fletcher.

The director will be Jonathan Kronenberger.

The cast calls for five men and four woman. Auditions will be July 13 at 2 p.m. and July 14 at 7 p.m.

Performance dates are Sept. 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27.

Call 330-620-7314 for further information, or visit westernreserveplayhouse.org online.