Catch a performance this weekend at the Footlighters Playhouse
A strait-laced attorney, a pair of newlyweds, a meddling mother and eccentric neighbor recently took up residence in Cinnaminson.
They are, of course, the fictional characters of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” a romantic comedy now being performed by the Burlington County Footlighters at their home on Pomona Road. Under the direction of Tim Sagges, the small but mighty cast stars Bailey Shaw as Corie Bratter, A.J. Krier as Paul Bratter, Phyllis Josephson as Ethel Banks, 6ABC news anchor Rick Williams as Victor Velasco and Kevin Pavon as Harry Pepper.
The Burlington County Footlighters, a volunteer theater group that got its start in 1938 when Ruth Strahan founded it, boasts alumna Judith Light of ABC’s “Whos the Boss?” and produces the work of local writers and thespians. Once the Phillips School in Cinnaminson, the Footlighters Playhouse is home to dozens of active members and attracts audiences from all over the Philadelphia area.
A seasoned veteran of the Footlighters, Sagges has worn every hat from chorus member to playwright since 2008. As the director of the community theater group’s first show of 2018, he’s delighted to be spearheading the production with such a stellar group of volunteer actors.
“It’s one funny bit on top of another, and it doesn’t have a whole lot of resolution. It’s a couple hours of escapist fun,” Sagges said. “When directing a show, casting is one of the most difficult parts. I got very lucky with all the cast, they all have really great instincts.”
The story centers on Shaw and Krier’s characters, the newlywed couple, as they start their lives in a modest fifth-floor walkup in 1960s Manhattan. They are faced with everyday challenges, such as a defective heating system to more serious marital woes as wife, Corie, tries to play matchmaker for her widowed mother, played by Josephson, and Williams’ character.
“A lot goes into it and the support was there from everybody,” Sagges added. “I’m there watching the show every night, and I’m still entertained by it every night. What’s so fun for me is seeing the actors get more confident with what they’re doing, they keep on adding layers to their characters that I never thought of.”
Catch “Barefoot in the Park” at 808 Pomona Road on Feb. 9–10 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. for $20 a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at bcfootlighters.com.
