Bobcat Players bringing Neil Simon back to Beaver with 'Barefoot in the Park'

More than 20 years ago, the Bobcat Players, a community theater located in Beaver, PA, dedicated its early seasons largely to the canon of Neil Simon.

From the classic "The Odd Couple" to the clever vignettes of "Plaza Suite" and "California Suite" to the poignant "Lost in Yonkers" and more, these comedies both entertained audiences and established the Bobcats as a talented local company.

Now, a decade after the last Simon play, "The Good Doctor," graced their stage, the Bobcat Players are returning to their roots with one of his earliest, funniest, and most beloved comedies, "Barefoot in the Park."

Originally staged on Broadway in 1963, "Barefoot" is a charming romantic comedy that still resonates with modern audiences while immersing them in the nostalgia of a far more innocent time. The set, the costumes, and most significantly the characters take us back to an era of the first mini dresses and Ma Bell, a time when couples generally did not cohabitate before the wedding day and experienced the growing pains of newlyweds.

That largely is the plot of this comedy. While deeply in love, Paul and Corie Bratter are polar opposites, a staid and conservative attorney and a free-spirited, bohemian young woman. The glow of the honeymoon quickly wears off as the couple navigates married life in a cramped, fifth-floor walk-up apartment in the heart of Manhattan.

In a scene from Bobcat Players' 'Barefoot in the Park,' newlyweds Corie, played by Anna Gergerich, and Paul, portrayed by Gavin Landis, have different plans for their first night in their new apartment.

To add to their conflicts is an assemblage of colorful characters, led by Corie’s mother, Ethel Banks, a well-intentioned but inhibited widow, and the upstairs neighbor, Victor Velasco, her cavalier would-be suitor.

Director Hannah Eyler Dearborn is active with the Bobcat Players as an actor, director, stage manager and board member. A self-proclaimed “sucker for a romantic comedy,” Dearborn sees "Barefoot" as a light-hearted, family friendly, and relatable show. She attributes this to a laugh-out-loud script and a cast that has taken ownership of the play.

“I was able to secure the actors who best fit my vision of the show. All of the actors are locked into their roles and incredibly talented, grounded, and creative,” Dearborn said.

Leading the cast of characters are Bobcat newcomers Anna Gergerich of Brighton Heights and Gavin Landis of Center Township.

Although this is a period piece, both emphasize the timelessness of the show. Gergerich said, “... the heart of the story lies in the emotional journey and conflict, and the time period adds flavor ... While our version of the story is true to the text and set in the '60s, I think the sentiments and complex relationships between the characters are what make this play so special, funny, and still relatable to modern audiences.”

Landis echoed this insight. “I feel as if this show is timeless and ever relatable because it speaks of that timeless ordinance of marriage which is both a blessing and a struggle, and in Corie and Paul’s marriage, both the blessing and the struggle are clearly shown in an honest and vulnerable way ... My hope is that, through the story of these characters, people can be encouraged by the beauty of marriage ... Whether in the '60s or 2025, that beauty ought to be eagerly longed for and pursued, as Corie and Paul ultimately show.”

Both Gergerich and Landis have delved into their characters and are excited for audiences to share in their love affair with the passionate if somewhat conflicted Bratters.

Landis said, “I really enjoy being able to play a character with both dramatic and comedic moments. ... Paul is passionate, committed, and reasonable.” And Gergerich added, “Corie is so optimistic, enthusiastic, funny, and says almost every thought that pops into her brain. It’s a very fun and freeing headspace to live in.”

The actors also wholeheartedly agreed they are discovering a very relatable affinity with the couple they portray. Gergerich admitted, “I definitely see a lot of myself in Corie. I love trying new things (especially food) and I tend to be very chatty.” And Landis stated, “Honestly, I very much relate to Paul as a character in many ways and find myself vindicating his motives and actions in many instances.”

The energy, the awareness, the enthusiasm for bringing their characters to life for an audience make for an evening’s entertainment that hopefully will strike a chord with anyone who has traveled the rocky road of marital love, with all its trials and triumphs.

Dearborn, Landis and Gergerich all laud their supporting actors. Rounding out the cast are Jennifer Bett of Ben Avon, Bruce E. Travers of Ross Township, and Brian Shumaker and Alex Andres, both of Beaver. All add that flavor of hilarity to the show.

In a scene from the play, Corie (Anna Gergerich) wants things to go well between her mother, Ethel (Jennifer Bett of Ben Avon), and Bruce Travers of Ross Township’s character Victor Velasco. Meanwhile Paul (Gavin Landis of Center Township) sees nothing but problems.

"Barefoot in the Park" is playing at the Ed Schaughency Theater in Beaver Area High School. Show dates are July 11, 12 and 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. Cost of tickets is $15. They may be purchased online at bobcatplayers.yaposdy.com; in person at the Hostess Shoppe in Beaver; by phone at 878-207-0309; or at the door on evenings of performances.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Bobcat Players bringing Neil Simon back to Beaver with 'Barefoot in the Park'