Review: ‘Barefoot in the Park’ at Rotation Theatre Company
Neil Simon’s 1963 play “Barefoot in the Park,” directed by Lindsay Jane at Rotation Theatre Company, is a romantic comedy that follows two newlyweds as they settle into their new apartment in New York City. Still riding the excitement of their honeymoon, the couple slowly discovers that their personalities are completely opposite. As their differences become more apparent, tensions rise, leading them to question their marriage.
At its core, the comedic play explores love, marriage, compromise, and the challenges of building a life with someone who sees the world differently.
The entire cast in this production shares palpable chemistry, with each performer fully engaged and actively listening to the another, allowing the fast-paced comedy to unfold naturally. While the story centers on Corie Bratter (Lili Sheley) and Paul Bratter (Brendan Cobia), the supporting cast adds another layer of humor and personality to the production.
Joshua Woodall delivers a subtle yet humorous performance as Harry Pepper, the maintenance man, without ever upstaging his fellow actors. And James Kemper as the Bratters’ neighbor Victor Velasco and Amber Edgar as Corie’s mother Ethel Banks bring their distinctive characters to life with excellent comedic timing.
Sheley and Cobia shine as the newlyweds, sharing chemistry that feels sincere and grounded in reality. Cobia brings charm, restraint, and a lighthearted approach to Paul, while Sheley fully commits to Corie’s physicality, high energy and whimsical personality.
Although I appreciated Corie’s eccentricity, I would have liked to see a more grounded and vulnerable side of her during the emotionally tense moments, particularly in the third act. Nonetheless, the contrast between Cobia’s stoicism and Sheley’s larger-than-life personality makes their relationship entertaining to watch.
Jane’s direction is sharp, thoughtful, and well-executed. Pacing is natural while the staging and blocking give the show a lively rhythm sustained from start to finish. I particularly appreciated Margot Leach’s choreography at the beginning of the show and the creative use of snowfall inside the apartment.
The set, managed by Derek Jeske, creates a cozy living room filled with colorful furniture, patterned rugs, dark green walls, framed pictures and exposed brick. Staircases on either side add depth to the space.
Abby Rowland’s costume design complements the time period and personalities of each character, while Justin White’s lighting uses warm and cool tones to establish the mood. Will Nazareno’s sound design is simple and effective, supporting the atmosphere and scene transitions.
What resonated with me most was the exploration of love and compromise. Watching Paul and Corie navigate their differences reminded me how challenging relationships can be, even when two people genuinely love each other. Being in a relationship myself, I found moments where I could relate to both characters as they worked through their frustrations.
The audience remained engaged and receptive throughout the performance, and I was equally entertained from beginning to end. With strong performances, thoughtful direction and impressive attention to detail from the creative team, “Barefoot in the Park” makes for a delightful night of theatre. I highly recommend this production to singles, couples and anyone who understands the beauty and challenges of love.
“Barefoot in the Park” continues through Nov. 22 at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre, 1006 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For tickets, visit RotationTheatreCompany.org. Run time is 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission.
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