Renaissance Theaterworks presents BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

Emily Vitrano in Renaissance Theaterworks’ production of BAREFOOT IN THE PARK by Neil Simon. Photo by Ross Zentner.

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By Mary Boyle
 
American playwright Neil Simon wrote a number of memorable productions, many of which were made more memorable by being converted to film, including The Odd Couple, Biloxi Blues, The Goodbye Girl, The Sunshine Boys, and the 1967 hit BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, which starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.  A story of two newlyweds in their first apartment in Greenwich Village, New York in 1963, Barefoot is an endearing and relatable story about love and a fitting season finale and farewell production for Renaissance Theaterwork’s Artistic Director, Suzan Fete who, after 33 years at RTW’s helm, is ready to pass the baton.

Fete founded Renaissance Theaterworks with Marie Kohler, Raeleen McMillion, Michele Traband, and Jennifer Rupp, powerhouse women of Wisconsin’s local theatre scene, who came together to create “theater by women, for everyone.”  Over the course of the past thirty-three years, RTW has remained dedicated to telling important and timely stories while celebrating Wisconsin’s talented actors and playwrights.

Directed by Fete, Barefoot features an incredibly strong cast of some of Milwaukee’s finest, although a couple are new to RTW’s stage.  Emily Vitrano (RTW’s The Moors) plays the recently married Mrs. Corie Bratter, a free spirit who sees nothing but exciting possibility in her new apartment at the very top floor of a New York brownstone, but her down-to-earth lawyer husband, Paul (Neil Brookshire, RTW’s Witch), definitely notices the five flights of stairs, the lack of a bathtub, and the hole in the skylight windows.  Corie’s single mother (Jenny Wanasek) does her best not to rain on her daughter’s parade, but she’s beyond skeptical when she learns that Corie has invited her on a double date with their very eccentric neighbor, Victor Velasco (Reese Madigan; RTW’s The Moors, Witch).  When Corie’s planned evening of fun goes awry, her relationship with her new husband is called into question.

Barefoot in the Park is a pure delight from start to finish.  Part of this is due to great writing but, in the case of this production, it comes down to brilliant acting, along with amazing scenic design by Jeffrey Kmiec, props by Jim Guy, and costumes by Karin Kopischke, which all work to make you feel that you really are transported back to 1963 in Greenwich Village.  Although their parts are small, Milwaukee theatre veteran Bob Balderson and Mohammad N. ElBsat, who both make their RTW debut, are scene-stealers as the delivery man and the telephone repair man, respectively.  I was particularly impressed by Reese Madigan, who was so transformed in his role as Victor Velasco that, despite the fact that I have seen him in countless productions, I had to check the understudy lineup to make sure that it was really him.  I can’t think of a better way to usher out the winter than seeing this show -- catch it while you can!

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK runs through April 12th at Next Act Theatre, located at 255 S. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.rtwmke.org, by calling the office at (414) 278-0765, or at the Box Office at 158 N. Broadway St. in Milwaukee's Third Ward Monday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. and 2 hours before each performance.
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Save the Date to Raise a Glass to Renaissance Theaterworks, celebrating Suzan Fete, on August 26, 2026!  More details to come!
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About Renaissance Theaterworks
RTW is Milwaukee’s first professional theater company founded and led by women and the nation’s second-oldest professional theater devoted to gender equality. RTW is a resident company at 255 South Water St. in Milwaukee’s Harbor District, with increased capacity and improved accessibility.