Time for a comedic turn

Former Rockingham resident Trevor Dhu is directing a classic romantic comedy about two newlyweds learning to live together at Melville Theatre next month.

Written by Neil Simon, Barefoot in the Park follows Paul, an aspiring but conservative lawyer, and his wife Corie, a loving, free-spirited enthusiast for life.

They move from the giddy joy of a honeymoon at New York’s Plaza Hotel into the crazy reality of married life in a tiny fifth-floor Manhattan apartment with no heating system or lift.

Corie wants Paul to become more easy-going, such as being willing to run “barefoot in the park”.

Winner of a Tony Award for best comedy, Simon also adapted his script to a 1967 film, starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.

Dhu said after a period of investing in dramatic plays, he felt it was time to do a comedy.

“I was watching a director friend putting a comedy together and I suggested the cast were missing the punchlines and comedic intent,” he said.

“But then I thought it had been a while since I’d done a comedy, so what gave me the right make such suggestions?

“I wondered if I could do it again.

“Barefoot in the Park made me laugh when I read it, so I was sold.”

Immersed in the performing arts for as long as he can remember, Dhu has worked with Patch and Playhouse theatres and Perth City Ballet and has done extensive professional work with the Australian Dance Theatre.

More recently, he has directed, choreographed and acted in productions at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre — most notably West Side Story and Jesus Christ Superstar — and also at Harbour, Roleystone, Old Mill and Melville theatres.

“With Barefoot in the Park, there are a few challenges, including making sure the comedic timing is right and ensuring the cast have a full understanding of the comedic premises,” he said.

Barefoot in the Park plays at 8pm on September 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 with a 2pm matinee on September 11.

For more information, contact 9330 4565 or visit www.meltheco.org.au.