'It can be argued that Neil Simon is not only America's most successful playwright, but also the most successful playwright in the history of theatre.'1 Despite being criticized for lack of substance, his hugely successful comedies are consistently revived, whether on Broadway or in other community or dinner theatres. Last week the University of Notre Dame's Mainstage season opened with the departmental premiere of Barefoot in the Park. Though the play originally opened more …showed first 75 words of 1313 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1313 total…of a fine play (intrigue, credibility, surprise, etc.). America's premiere playwright also creates a viable playscript that emphasizes the show's major themes of compatibility and compromise. And, perhaps most importantly, Simon's skill as a playwright is revealed in the wonderful way Barefoot in the Park makes the audience laugh. BIBLIOGRAPHY Cohen, Richard. Theatre. 3rd ed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield         Publishing Company, 1993. Donnelly, Richard E. The Play Structure. COTH 205, 5 September 1996. Simon, Neil. Barefoot in the Park. 1963.