Licklog Players to present Barefoot in the Park

Photo submitted/Pam Roman Laurel Adams, Director of Barefoot in the Park, oversees the construction of set at the Peacock Playhouse.

Rehearsals are underway for Neil Simon's delightful comedy, Barefoot in the Park, scheduled for early November at the Peacock Playhouse in Hayesville.

The play is the basis for the popular movie starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda as a recently-married couple trying to make ends meet in a small five- story walk-up in New York City. No doubt the Licklog Players' experienced cast of six will do justice to Simon's trendy comedy.

TooToo Cirlot is a hit in every show in which she appears. Whether she's a lovable dog named Sylvia, a playful Blithe Spirit, or the glamorous actress Myra Marlowe (A Bad Year for Tomatoes), she brings to life every character she portrays. As newly-wed "Corie Bratter," she adds yet another dimension to her repertoire of successful Licklog performances.

A native of New Orleans, TooToo came to the mountains to operate a romantic Bed and Breakfast, Mountain Memories, for honeymooners, but after her triumph on stage, she's decided to pursue a professional acting career.

Jason Swint, who plays her husband, "Paul," was "Big Josh" in last summer's production of Big and Clegg in Witness for the Prosecution.

The mother is played by Bev Larson, who has had many roles in private life- wife, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother. Drawing on these experiences for the role of Mrs. Banks in this comedy, this seasoned actress finds it more fun than work. She is thankful for her many roles in life, which include choir director at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Tom Payne is another favorite among local theatregoers. A native of West Virginia, he's been a popular Licklog Player for seven years, having appeared in numerous musicals and comedies. He will be remembered for his extraordinary dance routine on the piano in Big, as the time-study man, Hinsey, who lost his PJ's in the Pajama Game and as Captain Von Trapp's house servant in the highly-successful Sound of Music.

Two other performers- John Simonelli as the "Delivery Man" and David Spivey as the "Telephone Repair Man"- round out the supporting cast.

Simonelli, a veteran Broadway actor, enjoys working both on and off stage. Following his retirement from the New York stage, he joined the Licklog Players and starred in numerous productions, including Opal is a Diamond. Behind the scenes, he's the man with the hammer building sets.

David Spivey has appeared in major roles in more than 100 regional productions, most recently as "Sir Wilfred Roberts, QC" in the Licklog's Players' last production, Witness for the Prosecution.

Show dates for Barefoot in the Park are Nov. 2, 3, 4 and Nov. 9, 10 and 11. Tickets go on sale Oct. 22. Adults $13, Students and Children $8. Peacock Playhouse box office hours are Mon-Fri, 10AM to 4 PM. Rated PG. For further information, telephone 828- 389-8632 or toll free 1-877- 691-9906.