A CLASSIC romantic comedy about two newlyweds learning to live together, despite being polar opposites, comes to Melville Theatre this September.

Written by Neil Simon and directed by Trevor Dhu, 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 into a 1967 film starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.

The playwright is also famous for The Odd Couple, Lost in Yonkers, Sweet Charity, The Last of the Red Hot Lovers and Biloxi Blues, among many others.

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.”

Involved in the performing arts for as long as he can remember, Dhu has worked with Patch and Playhouse Theatres, Perth City Ballet and did extensive professional work with the Australian Dance Theatre in the eastern states.

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

Last year, Dhu directed Summer of the Seventeenth Doll at the Old Mill Theatre, winner of several Milly Awards, as well as the acclaimed Closer a few months ago.

“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.

“It’s also important to add special features that will add extra highlights for the audience.”

Barefoot in the Park plays at 8pm September 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 with a 2pm matinee September 11. Tickets are $20, $15 concession – book on 9330 4565 or at www.meltheco.org.au.

Melville Theatre is on the corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway, Palmyra.