#66: Barefoot in the Park with director Jan Guarino

My first guess for Neil Simon’s longest running show on Broadway would have been “The Odd Couple,” maybe followed by “Brighton Beach Memoirs” or “The Sunshine Boys.” But nope – the breezy romantic comedy “Barefoot in the Park” ran for nearly 4 full years. It was an auspicious production for many other reasons as well: it marked director Mike Nichols’ arrival on Broadway and Robert Redford’s departure for bigger fame and fortune on the silver screen.

While a frivolous and frothy confection with characters that barely seem real, “Barefoot” had a special alchemy, giving theater-goers across different spectrums characters they could relate to, root for or against.

No one I know has a more intimate knowledge of “Barefoot” than multi-hyphenate theater pro Jan Guarino, who has directed the show twice over a couple decades. She has the compelling perspective of a true lover of Simon’s work and our conversation covers all aspects of how the show works…and could be one of those rare older shows that continues to be a viable show to produce into the future.

Definitely check out ChasingPhantom.net to see relevant video clips, specifically clips of Elizabeth Ashley in 1964 and then again in 1982. There's also a link to an episode of the short-lived TV show adaptation of "Barefoot in the Park." Very much worth checking out!