Time Capsule
Theater productions in Butler County parks are frequent occurrences nowadays, but this promotional photo for Butler Little Theatre’s 1967 production of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” may have turned some heads.
The play was performed at the theater in October of that year, and chronicled the tumultuous and hilarious first days of a marriage. Pictured is the 1967 cast in Diamond Park’s fountain, spreading the word for the first show of BLT’s 26th season.
That season also featured shows “The Odd Couple” and “Funny Girl.” Admission then was $2 for Tuesday and Thursday shows and $2.50 for Friday and Saturday shows.
Butler audiences still respond to Simon’s humor, as the theater just wrapped its 80th season featuring the Simon classic “Broadway Bound.”
“Barefoot” was Simon’s longest running show on the Great White Way, and graced the Butler stage after the movie adaptation hit theaters in May 1967. At that time, Butler Little Theatre and Musical Theatre Guild were the only production companies in the county. They’re now joined by two more, Sing Hosanna! and Hobnob Theatre Co.
