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Reviewed by Iris Winston 13 July Categories: Professional Theatre, Summer Theatre 2015 The heavy breathing that is a key feature of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park has nothing to do with sex and everything to do with trudging up many flights of stairs to a fifth-floor walk-up apartment in New York. And that minor inconvenience is just one of the many problems with the nest that enchanted the impulsive and newly-wed Corie Bratter. Perhaps, if her lawyer husband had seen the cramped apartment before she rented it, he might have noticed the hole in the skylight, the minute bedroom, the faulty radiator or the excessive rent. When it premiered on Broadway in 1963, Barefoot in the Park was an instant hit, running for more than 1,500 performances — a record run for a non-musical play. Later a successful movie starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, the comedy — written as a tribute to Simon’s first wife — focuses on the attractions between opposites and the steep learning curve in the early days of any marriage—50 years ago or today. As directed by Laurel Smith, the Classic Theatre Festival production is consistently bubbly, with the cast members (often out of breath in enacting the oft-repeated stair-climbing gag) displaying appropriately contrasting characteristics. Rachel Fischer is an enthusiastic and adventurous Corie. Chris Zonneville, as her husband Paul, tries to shed his inhibitions and sensible approach to life. Catherine Bruce, as Corie’s mother, takes on the role of good sport, while William Vickers, with his precise comic timing, is outstanding as the charming ladies’ man. In the cameo role of the telephone man, Sean Jacklin delivers a highly effective portrait of embarrassment at being an unwilling witness to a major fight between the newly weds. The well-designed technical aspects complete the picture of a very entertaining production. The Classic Theatre Festival production of Barefoot in the Park continues to August 2. Barefoot in the Park By Neil Simon Classic Theatre Festival Director: Laurel Smith Set: Jennifer Goodman Lighting: Wesley McKenzie Sound: Matthew Behrens Costumes: Renate Seiler Cast: Corie Bratter………………………………………Rachel Fischer Telephone Man……………………………………Sean Jacklin Paul Bratter………………………………………..Chris Zonneville Mrs. Baker………………………………………..Catherine Bruce Victor Velasco…………………………………….William Vickers Continue reading

One of Canada’s leading travel writers, Chris Ryall, came to Perth and enjoyed the Classic Theatre Festival’s historic walking tour, The Maid and the Merchant, as well as The Lonely Ghosts Walk. “Affordable and entertaining theatre with a distinct local twist as the productions take you past Perth’s vast collection of architectural styles.” See original article link here. CUTTING THE CHEESE Chris Ryall Sep 8, 2015 08 SEP 2015:  Sometimes your travels can take you to the most unlikely of places.   This happened to me recently.  I found myself in the tiny hamlet of Balderson, Ontario about an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa.   Here I was standing at the renowned Balderson Village Cheese gourmet foods store just a few from a decorative display of various aged cheddar cheeses.    For me it was a Wes Craven horror movie in Smellovision. I should explain.   Cheese and I have an unhealthy relationship. As cheese ages my gag reflex increases.   Cheese culture was taste bud damnation.   Blame my mom and grandmother who were the same way.  I have the cheese aversion gene.  So why torture myself and venture into enemy territory – a gourmet cheese store? I was going to visit my favourite aunt in Kingston on this trip and she appreciates fine aged cheese – I was told this was the place to get it. Family commitment and not my gag reflex takes priority.   If only I was a synchronized swimmer and could have had a trusty nose plug handy.  Luckily my friend, a cheese aficionado, takes over the task to buy the right cheese. T’S GETTING CHEESY Balderson Village Cheese is not only a well-known Ontario cheese institution – it’s an area cultural icon as well. Before becoming a general store it was the site of the original Balderson cheese factory dating back to 1881.   It is in the heart of the Ontario Highlands region (www.ontariohighlands.ca) which is not only cheese country but the nearby Lanark County is the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario – now we’re talking! Before indulging in a series of maple treats I pay homage to the almighty cheese god – the full-scale reconstruction of the 22,000 pound original Mammoth Cheese monument that is displayed proudly in downtown Heritage Perth. Back in 1893, twelve local area cheesemakers contributed a day’s of milk each to make the “World’s Largest Cheese,” for the Chicago World’s Fair.  The milk came from 10,000 cows!  Personally I would have used that milk for something tastier – the biggest ice cream cone, bowl of whipped cream or vanilla milkshake. CULTURALLY SPEAKING Fortunately there is more than a cheese culture here.   Theatre plays a starring role in the Perth’s daily life for both residents and visitors.  Despite only about 6,000 townsfolk in Perth, it boasts a bustling arts and cultural scene with local art and craft galleries featuring the talents of many area artisans. At the cultural centre is the Classic Theatre Festival.   This summer it put on productions ranging from Barefoot in the Park… Continue reading