Why Should I See Your Show? 'International Falls' vs. 'Barefoot in the Park'

After interminable weeks of chilly rains, this might finally be the weekend to get out of the house and see some local theater. But with so many entertainment options around town, what's a person to pick? Every week we give representatives from local productions a chance to tell us why their show should be at the top of your list. This week two very different takes on romantic encounters vie for your attention. Playwright Thomas Ward makes the case for International Falls at Bryant-Lake Bowl, while Managing Artistic Director Laura Tahja Johnson speaks up for Barefoot in the Park at Lyric Arts Company of Anoka. THOMAS WARD FOR INTERNATIONAL FALLS Out of all the shows going on this weekend, why should I see yours? It's 85 minutes long so you can go bowling after the show. You can eat and drink during the show. Bain Boehlke directed the show. The show features middle aged people in their underwear questioning their life choices. We can all relate to underwear and life choices. Also... the play is set in Minnesota and I wrote it two years ago while living in Texas with no plans whatsoever of moving to Minnesota. Now I live in Minnesota which makes it feel like fate. Who are you to tempt fate? Will I laugh? The play is about a comedian, so I sure hope you'll laugh. Yeah, you'll laugh. Will I cry? The play is about a comedian, so yeah, you'll cry. Comedy comes from pain, right? This play digs deep. Will I feel weird if I bring my grandma? I don't know your grandma, but if my grandma saw the play I would immediately be disowned. Bring someone else's grandma, but not yours. Who shouldn’t come see this show? It's definitely a grown up play about grown up problems. Kids should not see this show. Don't bring your teenager to see this show even though your teenager has already seen and heard everything that's in the show elsewhere on the internet. Just let 'em sneak into it so they can feel like they're getting away with something. LAURA TAHJA JOHNSON FOR BAREFOOT IN THE PARK Out of all the shows going on this weekend, why should I see yours? Barefoot in the Park in sweet and charming and very, very funny. I think that sometimes people forget that Neil Simon is one of the most successful playwrights of all time...this show will remind you why. The production is cleverly directed by Matt McNabb and features outstanding performances all around. Plus, it's very, very funny. Will I laugh? Absolutely. Will I cry? Yes...because you are laughing so hard. Will I feel weird if I bring my grandma? The show is pretty tame in terms of content. You might feel weird if Grandma is uncomfortable seeing a woman in 1960's undergarments comically trying to get her new husband a little hot and bothered. (Chances are, Grandma has been in a similar situation herself.) Who shouldn’t come see this show? While this is a show meant for adults who know a thing or two about dating, or being married, or being in a long-term relationship, there is little that should prevent even pre-teens from entering the theater. In fact, they will love all the slapstick and physical comedy. Don't come see this show if you don't like to laugh. Did I mention that it is very, very funny?