Playhouse Keeps Its Simon Simple

Outside of “The Odd Couple,” Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” has been done more often than probably any of his other early comedies. It is such a standard that most directors don’t go beyond a standard staging.

Director Darren Levens puts forth a pretty standard reading at the Huntington Beach Playhouse, but outside of slightly sluggish tempos throughout, it’s fairly bright, well-cast and enjoyable. The sense of period is true, which is imperative considering the many period references, such as the newlywed Bratters paying $125 a month rent for their Manhattan apartment. The obvious fun that the cast is having is a big plus.

For anyone who still hasn’t seen “Barefoot,” the plot is nebulous, centering around the Bratters’ first week of domesticity, their loony neighbors in the building--especially the slightly eccentric Victor Velasco, who lives in the attic--and a blind date Corie Bratter sets up between her widowed mother and Velasco.

As usual, Simon’s humor almost covers the minor flaws in his script. Some very good performances also help. The most relaxed, most buoyant turn belongs to Sharyn Case as Corie’s mother, Mrs. Banks. Case couldn’t be more right for the role--her refreshing grin hiding her tiny displeasures, her ample charm filling the stage on her entrances and her comic timing probably the best in the cast.

Indicative of Levens’ care in casting is the impression given by Courtney Dickerson as a delightful Corie that she will someday turn into Mrs. Banks. Her naivete will become Mrs. Banks’ tact, and her enthusiasm Mrs. Banks’ energy.

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Andrew Nelson’s novice attorney Paul Bratter is charming, too, enough so that even his sometimes priggish grouchiness is endearing. This Corie and Paul obviously will be a happy couple, if sometimes just a bit dysfunctional. Their performances prove how valuable the right chemistry between actors can be to a production.

Michael O’Meara’s Velasco is not as truly eccentric as he is usually played--a little too laid back, a little too quiet--but O’Meara fits in well with Levens’ intent, and has the right flavor. David Malek’s telephone repairman is typically New York and very funny, with a nice touch of vulnerability during Corie and Paul’s violent argument. Sound and lighting operator Aaron Deutsch makes a brief appearance as a deliveryman.

Another plus is the authenticity of Kent Johnson’s walk-up flat design, which looks like a Manhattan walk-up flat should, and makes a nice frame for this staging.

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* “Barefoot in the Park,” Huntington Beach Playhouse, 7111 Talbert Ave. Thursdays- Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends May 18. $13. (714) 375-0696. Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.

Courtney Dickerson: Corie Bratter

Andrew Nelson: Paul Bratter

Sharyn Case: Mrs. Banks

Michael O’Meara: Victor Velasco

David Malek: Telephone Repairman

Aaron Deutsch: Deliveryman

A Huntington Beach Playhouse production of the Neil Simon comedy. Produced by Catherine Stip. Directed by Darren Levens. Scenic design: Kent Johnson. Lighting design: Bruce Fleming. Costume design: Krista Smith. Stage manager: Jennifer Krasinski.