Press Releases

Play To Open 50 Years After Neil Simon's Film Version Featured in Manasquan at the Algonquin

Image: http://www.algonquinarts.org/cc/DamnYankees_MichaelFrankenPhotography.jpg
Caption: Jessica O'Brien, left, returns to the Algonquin to play Corie Bratter in "Barefoot in the Park" after this appearance as Lola in "Damn Yankees." Anthony Greco, who starred opposite O'Brien as Applegate, makes his directorial debut in "Barefoot." (Photo by Michael Franken Photography)

MANASQUAN, N.J. (January 20, 2017) - Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds fresh off a six-day honeymoon. He's a straight-as- an-arrow lawyer and she's a free spirit always looking for the latest kick. Their new fifth floor walk-up apartment, Corie's loopy mother and the eccentric neighbor who lives in the attic set the scene for Neil Simon's longest running Broadway play, "Barefoot in the Park," which opens January 28 at the Algonquin.

This production runs for six performances, with opening weekend performances on Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m. The run continues Friday, February 3 at 8 p.m. and concludes on Saturday, February 4 with performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Jessica O'Brien returns to the Algonquin stage as the free-spirited Corie Bratter following her appearance as Lola in "Damn Yankees" and serving as director and choreographer for "White Christmas" last month. Joseph Stefanelli makes is Algonquin debut as the buttoned-down Paul Bratter.

In supporting roles, Lisa Jones debuts at the Algonquin as Corie's mother, Mrs. Banks, and Eric McDonough ("Annie Get Your Gun," "Wizard of Oz", "1940s Radio Hour" and "Oliver!") returns to the Algonquin as the quirky bohemian Victor Velasco who needs to access his attic apartment through the Bratter's window.

Frank Mongiello and John Albrecht brave the five flights of stairs - six counting the stoop - to visit the Bratter's apartment as the telephone repairman and deliveryman, respectively.

Tickets start at $31 (including processing fees) and are available online at algonquinarts.org, by phone at 732-528- 9211 or in person at the Algonquin Box Office (on the first floor) at 173 Main Street in Manasquan. The Box Office is open 12-6 p.m. weekdays and 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays, as well as 1 hour prior to each curtain. Seniors save $3 and students save $9 vs. a full-price adult ticket. The Sunday, January 29 performance is sold out.

Anthony Greco makes his Algonquin directorial debut after starring in the 2016 productions of "White Christmas" (Mike), "Damn Yankees" (Applegate) and "Laughter on the 23rd Floor" (Ira Stone).

This Algonquin production of "Barefoot in the Park" is sponsored by C. Keith Henderson & Associates as well as Mona and John Kirk of Manasquan.

Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" was first presented on Broadway by Saint Subber at the Biltmore Theatre in New York City on October 23, 1963 and won a Tony Award the next year. The original production ran for more than 1,400 performances.

Simon adapted his play for Hollywood, with a 1967 release starring Robert Redford as Paul Bratter and Jane Fonda as Corie Bratter. Mildred Natwick earned a supporting-actress Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Mrs. Banks. The film, directed by Gene Saks, played in Manasquan at the Algonquin in August of that year.

ABOUT ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE

Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.

Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore Region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. The theatre provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by Manasquan Bank, the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Freed Foundation, the PNC Foundation, the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey, the OceanFirst Foundation, the Investors Bank Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation and the generosity of our patrons.

The theatre was voted New Jersey's favorite small performing arts center south of the Raritan River in 2015.