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Barefoot in the Park production features new talent
After 20 years of staging musicals and theatre productions, members of the local theatre group know that a steady supply of new talent has been one of the keys to energizing local productions.
Never has that new talent been more apparent than this week's presentation of Neil Simon's romantic comedy "Barefoot In The Park."
Of the six-person cast, only one member has extensive experience. Four of the six are making their community theatre stage debuts and the Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association's production also features a first-time director in Colleen Grant, who is excited about staging the play in a first-time venue -- The Republican Valley Event Center.
While the two main characters are making their acting debut, Tim and Leanne Miller are no strangers to performing on stage. In last spring's SWNCTA production of "Fiddler on the Roof" Tim played the part of the fiddler and joined the orchestra with his wife Leanne.
In "Barefoot In the Park" Tim plays a conservative young lawyer, Paul Bratter, and Leanne plays the off-the-wall bride Corie -- dedicating her life to the pursuit of fun from the top floor of their New York brownstone on a cold February night.
"They fit perfectly into characters. Tim and Leanne are a delightful couple who have been a great addition to the stage," Grant said. "I think a lot of people know what accomplished musicians these two are and this play shows another layer of their artistic talents."
The Millers met while studying violin in Colorado and continue to perform with Leanne's family, "The Christners."
Don Harpst, a founding member of SWNCTA and veteran of numerous plays and musicals, plays Victor Velasco, an upstairs neighbor and middle-aged lothario. Harpst is also currently in rehearsals for next month's McCook Community College's production of "A Christmas Carol."
Beverly Rhea, plays the new bride's mother, Ethel Banks. "She not only performs on stage for the first time, but helped on our set crew. She really is "one of the fellows,'" Grant said. Lester Webb returns to the stage after making his acting debut in 2002 in "Mornings At Seven." Last fall he was in "Arsenic and Old Lace." In this year's play, Lester plays a delivery man.
High school senior Tyler Cobb portrays a telephone repair man. He's been part of three Missoula Children's Theatre plays, and several high school productions and has played clarinet in the orchestra for the past three SWNCTA musicals.
As a first-time director, Grant said she and the "young" cast relied heavily upon the experience of Harpst, assistant director Carl Philo, and producer Howard Kool.
"It's one of the wonderful luxuries we have in SWNCTA, to be able to draw from the collective experiences of people like Don and Carl and Howard," Grant said.
She notes that Chuck and Dian Trail have, once again, designed and built an "amazing set." Grant said their crew worked hard to bring a fifth-floor walk-up New York apartment to the McCook. She also cited the tireless efforts of Ivy Stritt for props, Sheryl Havens for costumes, Janet Kool, the back stage crew, and the light and sound crew.
"Without them, it wouldn't happen," she said. "Barefoot In the Park" debuted at a filled Oberlin's Gateway Center this past weekend.
"The play was very well received in Oberlin," Grant said. "The Gateway facility is wonderful, the sound is outstanding, there are nice dressing rooms, and the people in Oberlin were extremely accommodating. It was a great experience and we look forward to working with them for a long time in the future." Grant said.
As an added treat, there will be a wine-tasting opportunity, courtesy of Barefoot Wine of California. After hearing about the local production, Dick Hoffman of McCook made arrangements for the California company's sponsorship.
"Barefoot In The Park" Dinner tickets will be available for $20 before all four McCook shows. Serving begins at 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The evening shows begin at 7:30, and the Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m.
Show only tickets are available for $9. Tickets for children aged 12 and under are $7.
Tickets are available at Howard Kool Honda, Hershberger Music. The Bieroc Café, and The Republican Valley Event Center. Show only tickets are available at the door.
"Barefoot In The Park" cast includes:
Corie Bratter -- Leanne Miller
Paul Bratter -- Tim Miller
Mrs. Banks -- Bev Rhea
Victor Velasco -- Don Harpst
Delivery Man -- Lester Webb
Telephone Repair Man -- Tyler Cobb
Crew:
Director -- Colleen Grant
Assistant Director -- Carl Philo
Producer -- Howard Kool
Properties -- Ivy Stritt
Costume Director -- Sheryl Havens
Costume Assistant -- Alice Harpst
Set Design -- Dian Trail
Set Construction -- Chuck Trail
Set Construction Assistant -- Bill Marshall
Light and Sound -- Chuck Trail
Stage and Set Crew -- Jan Philo, Jean Marshall, Connie Harvey, Jack Stevens, Angie Reiners, Bev Rhea, Trever Premer, Ozgun Ozguven, Lamoine Keene, Janet Kool, Janet Hepp, Ivy Stritt, Lester Webb, Tyler Cobb, Dian Trail, Gene Weedin, Greg Hepp
House Manager -- Trevor Premer
Photography -- Tor Olson
Advertising -- Chris Lyons
Programs/Posters/Tickets -- Jeri Lynn Karr