The Cast of "Barefoot" Speaks!

Hey, we have some e-interviews coming your way over the next few days with some of the members of the cast of Barefoot in the Park, which is Neil Simon's funny play about a couple of newlyweds trying to cope with life in an unusual apartment building.

That show is being presented by ARTS this weekend, and you can get a meal with the shows on Friday and Saturday night!

We start with one of the leads - my pal Stephen Vance, who plays the part of Paul Bratter.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Stephen: I wanted to be a part of this show ever since I first saw the movie. The film is very true to the play. The characters are real and the situations are both comical and relatable. When ARTS picked this show about six weeks ago, I jumped at the opportunity. I've had one great experience with this group after another. With this cast, and this director (Bil Neal), and this script how could you go wrong?

Q: Tell me about the part you play.

Stephen: Paul Bratter is a newlywed of six days. He is a rising young attorney, and he is trying to balance starting his career and his marriage. He is madly in love with his wife Corie, but they aren't exactly two peas in a pod. Their differences provide both the strength in their relationship and the problems. While Corie represents the passion in the marriage, Paul represents the stability.

Q: How is performing as part of a dinner theatre different from "regular" theatre?

Stephen: For us as actors, it is really not that much different. We are still performing on the main stage, however, the dinner guests do get a bit of a different experience. Instead of just seeing a great show, they are getting an entire evening of fun. They start with a great dinner in the ARTS ballroom and then head to reserved seating in the main stage theatre. I think for the guests it really gives them a sense of a complete night, since they don't have to leave the premises or worry about making curtain on time.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Stephen: I think the readers who love the movie will love it even more when they see the characters come to life in front of them. For those who don't know the show or the movie, I think you will fall in love with it just like I did. First of all, it is simply hilarious. The crowds so far have really enjoyed it. Secondly, this show has heart and a very pure sentiment. Finally, and the reason I'm so happy to be a part of this show, this cast. I couldn't be happier or more flattered to be a part of this group. Derek Ross is the new guy and is hilarious. Charlie Woolcock is a staple in this community and his cameo is perfect. Clint McElroy. What else can be said about his work that hasn't already been said? (And I finally get to be on stage with him). Karen Pruitt is a delight to watch every second she is on stage. Last but not least, Sara Booth is marvelous. She is the passion and life of this show and the story from start to finish. Come see them all, they are all brilliant.

Q: When and where is the show staged?

Stephen: The show has one more weekend. Friday the 8th at 8 p.m., Saturday the 9th at 8 p.m., and Sunday the 10th at 2 p.m. Dinner is also available on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and requires reservations, available by calling 304-733-ARTS (2787). The theatre is located at 900 8th Street, Huntington, W.Va. (the old Huntington High School).