Fremont stage veteran to perform in Port Clinton play

Sheri Trusty
·3 min read
Cyrus Foos, right, has performed in about 80 plays in Fremont. This week, he makes his Playmakers Civic Theatre debut as Paul Bratter in Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.” He plays opposite Samantha Meyer, who plays his wife, Corie Bratter.
Cyrus Foos, right, has performed in about 80 plays in Fremont. This week, he makes his Playmakers Civic Theatre debut as Paul Bratter in Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.” He plays opposite Samantha Meyer, who plays his wife, Corie Bratter.

PORT CLINTON - A longtime Fremont Community Theatre actor is making his Port Clinton debut as the male lead in Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” at Playmakers Civic Theatre. Cyrus Foos of Gibsonburg has been performing in Fremont since he was a preschooler.

“This is the first time he has been on our stage,” said “Barefoot in the Park” director Brenda MacDonald. “But he’s been in about 80 plays in Fremont. His parents had him on stage when he was 3.”

Foos performed most recently in “The Play That Goes Wrong” in Fremont. He is the son of Michael and Mary Jo Foos who have been involved in theater for years.

“My parents actually got married on the stage,” Foos said.

Boyfriend and girlfriend offstage

In “Barefoot in the Park,” Foos plays straightlaced newlywed Paul Bratter opposite Samantha Meyer of Oak Harbor who plays his free-spirited wife, Corie Bratter. Foos and Meyer are real-life boyfriend and girlfriend, and their chemistry lights up the stage.

Meyer was a driving force behind the success of the upcoming “Barefoot in the Park” performance. It was a part she strongly desired to play, and she pulled Foos and MacDonald onto the stage with her.

“Sam wanted to play Corie very badly, and she approached me to direct it,” MacDonald said.

Prior to auditions, Foos watched movie and theatrical versions of “Barefoot in the Park” starring Robert Redford and Richard Thomas. Although watching the play gave him an overriding view of the work, it had little influence on his portrayal of Paul Bratter.

Samantha Meyer, left, Margaret Helbing, center, and Cyrus Foos rehearse a scene from “Barefoot in the Park” at Playmakers Civic Theatre.
Samantha Meyer, left, Margaret Helbing, center, and Cyrus Foos rehearse a scene from “Barefoot in the Park” at Playmakers Civic Theatre.

“I’ve always been a fan of Robert Redford, and there may be essences of their performances, but I do my own thing for the most part,” Foos said.

He was drawn to the depth of emotion he could portray in “Barefoot in the Park.”

Small cast is one reason play was selected

“The show has a lot of different elements — comedic, dramatic. It has a range of emotions, and I thought that was interesting,” he said.

MacDonald said, “Barefoot at the Park” was chosen because it required a smaller cast and is well-known.

“It’s a good play for us because it doesn’t need a great big cast. Unfortunately, at this time of year, a lot of snowbirds are gone,” she said. “And it’s recognizable. This was Neil Simon’s second play. It’s the one that made him famous.”

Additionally, the play is fun to watch, especially with the energetic and experienced cast at Playmakers.

“It’s romantic, and I hope it brings a lot of people into the theater,” MacDonald said.

Anna Hittepole, left, and Chance Sayre, middle, discuss a scene with “Anastasia” choreographer Angela Andujar.
Anna Hittepole, left, and Chance Sayre, middle, discuss a scene with “Anastasia” choreographer Angela Andujar.

Millie Butts serves as assistant director, and the other cast members are Margaret Helbing as Ethel, David Blankenbeker as Victor, and Jim MacDonald and Lisa Meyer as the delivery people.

“Barefoot in the Park” will be performed at Playmakers Civic Theatre at 8 p.m. March 17, 18, 24 and 25, and at 2 p.m. March 19 and 26. Tickets can be purchased at pcplaymakers.org. Tickets can also be purchased at Lilly & Gerts through March 18.

Also debuting on March 17 is the Port Clinton Drama Club presentation of “Anastasia.” The play is directed by Drama Club advisor Sierra Kytta, and Bruno Bush serves as music director. “Anastasia” will be performed at the PCHS Performing Art Center at 7 p.m. March 17 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 19. Tickets can be purchased at the high school main office or at the box office prior to each performance.

Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Playmakers welcomes FTC alum to perform in 'Barefoot in the Park'