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Neil Simon play opens at Leebrick
The theater company
takes on a 1960s flavor
with ‘Red Hot Lovers’
By Amy Jennaro
for the Emerald
The year is 1969. Students are
rallying against the Vietnam War,
feminism has caught on like
wildfire, and the sexual revolu
tion is overtaking America.
Among all this confusion, Bar
ney Cashman, a 47-year-old
straight-laced fish salesman, de
cides to give up his conventional
life and join in the fun with three
other women — besides his wife.
The first is Elaine, a Marilyn
Monroe-type seductress, played
by Kathy James La Montagne.
Next, Barney tries with Bobbie
(Lyn Burg), a crazy, offbeat ac
tress. Finally, he turns to Jean
nette (Marla Norton), his wife’s
best friend and a Bible-thumping
moralist.
Together, they are “The Last of
the Red Hot Lovers” in Neil Si
mon’s popular comedy, playing
Nov. 1 through 25 at the Lord
Leebrick Theatre Co.
This marks the first time the
theater company has staged a Si
mon production.
“Our reputation is more on the
edge,” theater owner Randy Lord
said. “We do more daring and
new works that people haven’t
seen before."
But while Barney’s love life is
doomed to failure, this produc
tion isn’t.
“Lovers” has already struck a
chord with theatergoers, selling
out several shows before its run
has even started. Lord credits the
play’s popularity to its famous
playwright.
“Simon sells,” he said.
Lead actor Achilles Massehos,
who is appearing in a Simon play
for the first time, was drawn to
the production for more than
name recognition. Massehos said
he believes the play is a reflec
tion of the no-holds-barred val
ues of the era.
“Barney is doing what so many
people of that time did in terms
of massive exploration,” he said.
But Director Reva Kaufman
says the show’s appeal lies more
in Massehos’ acting. “The values
of the play come out because of
the way Achilles is,” Kaufman
said. “He is a very honest actor.”
Massehos, like most of the cast
and crew, is a Eugene native. The
theater company often recruits
local talent, including members
The Last of the Red
Hot Lovers
by Neil Simon
■ TYPE: Play
■ WHEN: Nov. 1-25
■ WHERE: Lord Leebrick
Theatre Co.
of the University’s Robinson
Theatre.
Because the show’s focus is on
intimacy, the set is not elaborate
and relies on low-key furnishings
and few special effects. Costumes
will be relevant to the play’s era
but not exaggerated.
The most unusual touch is the
seating, which will be placed di
rectly on the stage.
“It’s definitely in-your-face,”
Lord said.
The play will be performed
Thursday through Saturday
evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday
afternoons at 2 p.m. Tickets are
$11 on Thursdays and Sundays
and $15 Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets are available at the Lord
Leebrick box office, 540 Charnel
ton Street.
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