RHLReview

The Neil Simon play in its opening weekend at Brevard Community theater is obviously
a favorite among the 55-plus generation. "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" drew the largest
audience that I have seen there this season. This play, first presented in 1969 in New
York City, still has relevance today. The dialogue is funny, insightful and true.

The play opens with the main character, Barney Cashman (played in a last
minute-replacement by Bob Stacy) getting ready in his borrowed love nest for his first
rendezvous. He is nervous as he prepares his seduction scene. His novice status in
this role is obvious. The setting is hardly what one would imagine as a love nest, with
its 1930s decor with the sofa and chairs covered with crocheted doilies, but that is the
source of the irony in this production.

Elaine Navazio, the first lady to come to this afternoon of delights, is well played by
Celeste Thorington. She enjoys her juicy role as the willing partner in the affair. She
has some wonderful lines that for the most part she delivers with gusto. She is more
than our red hot lover can handle, actually, and the afternoon is wasted on discussion
rather than action.

In Act II, the production comes alive with the entrance of Bobbi Michele, an aspiring
singer, wonderfully played by Terri Owen. She plays the off-the-wall character who is
supposedly there to return some money lent by our hero. Her songs delivered so
beautifully off-key point out her delusional belief in her talent. Again, the afternoon is
gone without Barney's hoped-for results but the act belongs to the young woman. She
is pretty, dynamic and almost hyperkinetic! But she delivers some strong truths about
show business and its performers.

Act III introduces us to the third victim, Jeanette Fisher, played by Dede Hunter. She is
the wife of Barney's best friend. The discussion that this pair has turns to more serious
subjects -- despair, morality and hope, which, though too long and repetitious, rounds
out this play and forces a renewal in our hero. Though well written, this act could have
been shortened.

The play was directed by Bob and June Stacy. Because of the loss of the original lead,
Bob Stacy took over the role. This is difficult at best, and at the last minute more so. I
would have liked to have seen the original leading man because the appearance of
Terri Owen as Bobbi Michele pointed out the need for more age and physically
appropriate actors.

This theater group is an asset to the community and, with their recent mission to
encourage a collaboration with other area theater groups, should become better.

Though the theater is small, the actors tend to shout, thus losing the intimacy so
needed in this play. But Neil Simon can always be counted on to entertain and this play
is no exception.

"Last of the Red Hot Lovers" will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2
p.m. Sunday through May 11 at the Barn Theater on the Brevard College campus in
Brevard. For more information, call 884-2587.