It takes two to tango, at the Barn Theatre

The Barn Theatre was particularly inviting on Friday night, with gleaming walls and bright playbills advertising the new season. With photographs highlighting some of the famous actors who got started at the theater, a beloved award-winning Broadway play “Same Time, Next Year,” was an exciting and ambitious opening night at one of the oldest continuing theaters in California.

Numerous people said they were looking forward to seeing the play again, and remarked that they remembered the movie that starred Alan Alda.

Joan Givan, who will direct “Our Town,” in October, said that the play was a leap of faith for two people to do, “but because the Plaisted’s are married, there is a wonderful chemistry between them. I’m sure this is a favorite of many people, because we’ve got quite a crowd.”

The play starts with Doris and George, who meet over a romantic dinner, ending up in bed together the next morning. The catch is; they are both already married, with children. Despite this minor inconvenience, they continue meeting one another at the same time and place each year. For the next 24 years, the relationship between Doris and George evolves, while they share their perspectives about the joys and sorrows of married life.

The performances by Wendy and Gordy Plaisted were faultless. The witty and sometimes acerbic dialogue, intermixed with intimacy, was a delight to experience that had people laughing during every scene. The great blend of humor and romance had the audience anticipating more, and because of the conversation topics, there was laughter, as well as gasps, and some solemn and sad moments.

Both of the Plaisteds have been involved at the Barn Theatre since they were teenagers at Monache High School, when they acted in George Bernard Shaw’s “Man of Destiny,” and “Pygmalion,” directed by Jeannette Van Antwerp.

Van Antwerp directed the play, and has done a marvelous job. She has been involved in the theater for many years. Charles Hickinbotham was in charge of lights and music, and used music and radio sequences to lead into different scenes. This helped with continuity so the audience could anticipate the timeline of the play.

As the decades progress in the play, both Doris and George’s outfits and ideas change “with the sign of the times.” For a 2010 audience, “Same Time, Next Year,” portrays a great and timeless story, with highlights that include the discussion of the emancipation of women, politics, patriotism, and both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

“Same Time, Next Year” was written by Bernard Slade and was made into an award-winning movie starring Ellen Burstyn and Alda in 1978. Slade was born in Canada, and became one of Hollywood’s most prolific writers. He also created eight television series.

The Barn Theater is located on Plano Avenue and Olive Street in Porterville.

For reservations and more information call 310-7046. The play continues its run with 7:30 p.m. showings each Friday and Saturday through Sept. 11 and Sunday matinees at 2:15 p.m. through Sept. 12. A reservation-only brunch and showing was set for 12:30 p.m. this Sunday.