Addison Trail to present spring play, ‘Barefoot in the Park’

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Finding common ground with a significant other and blending different personalities/lifestyles in a relationship can be challenging. Addison Trail Theatre will bring this all-too-familiar human experience to life when the school performs its spring play, “Barefoot in the Park” by Neil Simon.

The saying of “opposites attract” has never been truer than in Simon’s beloved comedy. According to https://stageagent.com/shows/play/2431/barefoot-in-the-park, “Barefoot in the Park” tells the story of “newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter, (who) are over the moon to begin their life together in their new apartment in Manhattan. It may be small and a six-flight climb, the heating may be busted and snow may be falling through the skylight, but nothing can quash their newlywed bliss. Paul is a straight-laced lawyer and Corie a romantic free-spirit; nevertheless … the two are wild about each other. Corie decides to set her conservative, widowed mother up with their eccentric, Bohemian neighbor. A wild night ensues – one that highlights just how different Corie and Paul are. The young couple must learn how to accept and embrace their differences, as they learn that marriage is no easy walk in the park.”

Theatre Director Anna McSweeney said she directed the show in high school as a senior project and is thrilled to bring it to the stage at Addison Trail.

“It’s one of my favorite comedies about relationships, and I thought it would be a fun show to round out our season,” McSweeney said. “I want the audience to laugh, reflect and have a good time!”

She added the play will be performed in the school’s Black Box/Studio Theatre and will feature some unique technical aspects, including a two-story set!

Senior Jack DiDomenic (Paul Bratter), junior Raina Ashrafi (Corie Bratter) and junior Amelia Leslie (Corie’s mother, Mrs. Ethel Banks) said there are several themes and messages at the core of the story.

“It’s about the importance of compromise, not jumping to conclusions and being open to stepping outside of your comfort zone,” they said. “We’re a small cast of six, which has allowed us to become close and very natural together on stage.”

“Barefoot in the Park”

When: 7 p.m. on April 4, 5 and 6 (also a 2 p.m. performance on April 6)

Where: Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road in Addison (in the Black Box/Studio Theatre)

Tickets:

• $7 for adults
  
  
• $5 for children (ages 5 to 17)
  
  
• Children younger than 5 years old are free
  
  
• Free for those with a District 88 student ID or a District 88 Senior Gold Card
  
  
• Tickets can now be ordered online! Go to https://attheatre.ludus.com/index.php for details.
  
  
• Tickets also will be available to buy at the box office (30 minutes before the performances).

For questions or more information: Call 630-628-3365