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Theater Review
LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS
By NEIL SIMON
Island ETC Theater
By Marsha Wilson Rappaport
Comedy is supposed to make us laugh. And the “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” delivers. The Friday night audience at Island ETC erupted in howls during most of this entertaining play. However, some of that laughter was punctuated by pauses of recognition. The plight of the lead character, Barney Cashman was also a shared cultural condition. We may not have been in his particular situation, but we all know his motivations first hand.
Kevin Daugherty, a fan favorite plays the lead, Barney Cashman. His acting skills were fully utilized in the portrayal of a “decent man” with a “nice life” up to no good. Daugherty does a masterful job of painting a picture of a man so desperate to have an adventurous affair that he is driven to near dangerous extremes.
Elaine Navzio, his first “conquest” is adeptly crafted by Kimber Fountain as a no-nonsense woman who knows who she is and want she wants. Fountain’s detachment acts as a harsh mirror for Cashman’s desire to be right while being wrong. Her brash behavior serves as a crystal ball- a look into Cashman’s future if he remains on his current path.
Bobbi Michele, played by Bri Wehman, is Cashman’s second “conquest”. She is also a sign of his growing desperation. Michele, who he picks up in a public park is the kind of woman who would ultimately stalk you boil your cat. Wehman is both odd and scary in a very intense performance.
His last “conquest”, Jeanette Fisher was played by Julie Fontenot. His ability to succeed with this seduction ended at the front door. The odds are stacked against you when the wife of your friend, hits the door crying, pops tranquilizers and refuses to put her satchel sized purse down. Her story, the most poignant of the three women, was also very familiar to members of the audience who sighed and nodded in recognition.
Neil Simon is certainly a familiar name for most theater goers and this play stands the test of time. No one can deny that our culture has dramatically changed during the “baby boomer” era. Most dramatically the sexual landscape broke free from the countries Puritan roots. It raises questions about our common concepts about words like “nice” and “decent”. And like Cashman, it has made “decent” folks wonder if they “missed it all”.
Take a moment to support Island ETC and go to this play. The Last of the Red Hot Lovers is a really funny play that could lead to an evening of intriguing conversation.
LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS
By NEIL SIMON
MAY 11 - 26, 2018
Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 8pm; Sunday matinées on May 13 & 20 at 2:30pm
TICKETS: $30; $25 for Senior Citizens & Students