Barney Cashman is feeling like life is passing him by big time. He is stuck in a no passing lane while traffic is soaring past, full steam ahead. Married for twenty-three years to the same woman, the owner of a seafood restaurant, the most excitement he gets is using alliterative phrases like “flaming Florentine flounder” on his menu selections. Dressed in a dark blue suit, driving a reliable Buick, he is suddenly anxious to grab life by the pincer claws and hold on tight.
To witness Barney’s attempt to carpe diem, seize life, travel to the Ivoryton Playhouse for Neil Simon’s mid-life crisis comedy “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” until Sunday, June 24.
R. Bruce Connelly is wonderful as the slightly nebbishy lothario who is unaccustomed to wooing and bedding women who are not his wife Thelma. Not willing to stoop to going to a seedy motel for his assignations, he settles on using his mother’s meticulously clean apartment where the pillows are fluffed and the antimacassars are fussily perfect.
Barney has determined that a little fling is the answer to his problems. But who to fling with is the question? Enter Elaine Navazio, played perfectly by Beverly J. Taylor, a brassy no nonsense broad with aggressive tendencies and a smoker’s cough to rival Mount St. Helens. Barney wants communication; Elaine wants action.
Next up is a ditzy and adorable wannabe actress portrayed pertly by Katherine Ailsa Hubbard. As Bobbi, she weaves charming and incredulous tales of her exploits in a wonderful, perky style that is engagingly over the top.
Last on Cashman’s date parade is an old family friend Jeanette, a neurotically seasoned Bonnie Black, who plays tour guide on a guilt trip that is endearingly emotional for both travelers. Maggie McGlone Jennings directs this delightful romp into infidelity land with a quartet of talented actors.
Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p .m. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org. The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.
For helpful hints about seduction and clandestine
affairs, you would do well to avoid the steps taken by the
ultimately decent, gentle and loving Barney Cashman.
Cheers!
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