SALT LAKE CITY — Parker Theatre’s newest endeavor The Director’s Studio is an opportunity to enjoy a smaller production directed by both new and veteran directors not typically performed. The inaugural production is Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. Premiering on Broadway in 1963 and later released as a feature film starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, Barefoot in the Park is a romantic comedy telling the story of Corie and Paul Bratter, newlyweds who are fresh off a six-day honeymoon and excited to begin their lives together. As the couple navigate their cramped, freezing New York City apartment, eccentric neighbor, and visits from Corie’s mother, Corie and Paul grapple with the realities of marriage and soon wonder if their relationship will survive now that the honeymoon is over.
Under the direction of Shawnda Moss, Barefoot in the Park was a truly delightful experience. Through Moss’s superb direction to this phenomenal cast as well as impressive technical designs, I left the performance feeling as I just eavesdropped on a family’s two-hour conversation rather than attended a live theatre production. The Studio Black Box stage allowed for a more intimate and immersive experience, one where I felt I was inside the Bratter’s apartment. The overall closeness and proximity to the stage felt appropriate for this production and made for a much more enjoyable experience.
Kennedy Bradford gave an outstanding performance as the energetic and optimistic Corie. Bradford’s vitality and stamina on stage were consistent throughout. Dallin Bradford gave an equally impressive performance as the much more reserved and methodical Paul, allowing one to fully appreciate the phrase “opposites attract.” The chemistry between the couple was palatable no doubt since the two are married in real life. The chemistry oozed not only when their characters were still in that happy, euphoric state, but also as they argued and fought. The conflicting personalities of Corie and Paul are essential to the story, and both Bradford’s seamlessly and flawlessly brought their individual characters to life, allowing for a realistic and believable experience.
April Fossen is one whose work I deeply respect and admire, and I was thrilled to witness her debut performance with Parker Theatre as Ethel, Corie’s mother. As a mother of two very independent daughters, I related to this character in many ways. Fossen expertly portrayed a mother who is trying mightily to be supportive of her daughter’s choices and independence without interfering. One particularly enjoyable scene was when Corie asks her mother for advice on her marriage. The love and happiness Fossen expressed in that moment as Ethel realizing her daughter still needed her help was tender and beautiful. Additionally, Fossen has amazing comedic timing with her entrance on stage wearing a certain robe and slippers as a highlight.
Anthony Lovato gave a wonderful performance as Victor Velasco, Corie and Paul’s upstairs neighbor. Lovato’s character represented the quirkiness of the apartment building and Lovato portrayed his character’s eccentricities without feeling too silly or unbelievable. Lovato had me believing it wasn’t that strange having to crawl through your neighbor’s bedroom to get to your own apartment.
Chris Hults as the Telephone Repair Man also gave a memorable performance. Hults’s reaction to Corie and Paul’s apartment, particularly the five flights of stairs, was really the introduction to the quirkiness of the apartment. Hults was also hilarious navigating the tension between Corie and Paul while repairing the phone line.
Scenic Design by Bradley Moss was tasteful and well-executed. In many ways, the apartment was a character all on its own, so I appreciated the thoughtfulness taken to create a space that looked a little run down, but still had potential. I was also impressed that the set pieces made the space feel full but not overcrowded.
Additionally, Costume Design by Isabel Moss was very well done and appropriate to the period of the story. I also enjoyed the pop of color in the costumes, especially the bright red shoes and boots worn by Velasco and Corie respectively.
While the performances of Barefoot in the Park have ended, it set a high standard for the remaining productions performed as part of The Director’s Studio series. Through impeccable direction and performances, I was once again reminded of the quality of work provided by Parker Theatre and how fortunate our community is to have such talent in our midst.
MORE INFO: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK closed May 16th, 2026. Parker Theatre is located at 3605 S State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115. To learn more about The Parker Theatre and The Director’s Studio, visit www.parkertheatre.org.
The next production in The Director’s Studio series opening June 19th, 2026 is David Mamet’s The Frog Prince and Agatha Christie’s The Rats performed as two one acts on one night.