Rebecca Adams and Evan Goetz are shown in a scene from the Limestone College theatre's fall production of Barefoot in the Park. The play will be presented Sept. 24-27 in Fullerton Auditorium. The Limestone College theater department has decided to focus this year's theater season on comedies and providing fun entertainment for the community.

This effort gets underway with the performance of a romantic comedy, Barefoot in the Park Sept. 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. in Fullerton Auditorium. A matinee will be held Sept. 27 at 3.

The Tony Award-winning play by Neil Simon highlights the antics between newlyweds Corie and Paul Blatter in a story about how opposites attract in romantic relationships. The play will be the final performance before the Limestone College theater program moves into its new facility on campus next month.

"I chose Barefoot in the Park because I think it's a story that just about anyone can relate to," said Carrie Ameling, the play's director and a Limestone College theater professor. "Opposites do indeed attract. I'm a theatre person and I married a computer science person. You can't get more opposite than that."

In Barefoot in the Park, newlyweds Corie and Paul Blatter must deal with a lack of heat, a skylight with a gaping hole, and several long flights of stairs. The couple must also contend with their strange neighbor, Victor Velasco, and Corie's wellmeaning mother.

The cast includes Rebecca Adams (Blacksburg), Evan Goetz (Gaffney), Melissa Scott (Blacksburg), Brendan Franks (Charleston), Joel Figueroa (Greenville) and Joey Mayberry (Clover).

Ameling describes the play as a heart-warming comedy about the sacrifices, choosing battles to fight, and new beginnings common in relationships.

"I think audiences will identify with this play, and we all need a 'feel good story' once in a while, especially in the midst of so much tragedy and bad news in our community and the world," Ameling said. "It's important in theatre to discuss and face the tough social/political issues that plague our world, but it's also nice to have an escape from the realities of our harsh world. If you need a good belly laugh and a sweet poignant story, Barefoot in the Park will fit the bill perfectly."

Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 7 p.m. on the performance dates. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Admission is free to Limestone College students, faculty and staff.

For information and reservations, call Dr. Ameling at 864-488-8234.