Last of the Red Hot Lovers

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This article is about the Broadway production. For the film adaptation, see Last of the Red Hot Lovers (film).

Last of the Red Hot Lovers is a comedy by Neil Simon. It premiered on Broadway in 1969.

Contents

Production [edit]

The play opened on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on December 28, 1969 and closed on September 4, 1971 after 706 performances and six previews.[1] Directed by Robert Moore, the original cast featured James Coco, Linda Lavin (as Elaine), Doris Roberts (as Jeannette), and Marcia Rodd (as Bobbi).[2] The scenic design was by Oliver Smith, the costumes by Donald Brooks, and the lighting by Peggy Clark.[3]

Later in the run, Dom DeLuise replaced Coco and Cathryn Damon and then Rita Moreno replaced Lavin.

The play, Coco, Lavin, and Moore all were nominated for Tony Awards.[4]

Plot overview [edit]

Barney Cashman, a middle-aged, married nebbish wants to join the sexual revolution before it is too late. A gentle soul with no experience in adultery, he fails in each of three seductions:

  • Elaine Navazio, a sexpot who likes cigarettes, whiskey, and other women's husbands;
  • Bobbi Michele, an actress friend who he discovers is madder than a hatter; and
  • Jeannette Fisher, his wife's best friend, a staunch moralist.

Adaptations [edit]

Simon adapted his play for a 1972 film directed by Gene Saks. The cast featured Alan Arkin, Sally Kellerman (as Elaine), Paula Prentiss (as Bobbi), and Renée Taylor (as Jeanette).[5]

Reception [edit]

Clive Barnes, in his review in The New York Times, wrote: "He is as witty as ever...but he is now controlling that special verbal razzle-dazzle that has at times seemed mechanically chill... There is the dimension of humanity to its humor so that you can love it as well as laugh at it."[2]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Last of the Red Hot Lovers Listing playbillvault.com, accessed April 8, 2012
  2. ^ a b Barnes, Clive. "Stage: 'Red Hot Lovers': Comedy by Neil Simon Opens at the O'Neill", The New York Times, December 29, 1969, p. 37
  3. ^ Simon, Neil.Characters and crew Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1970) (books.google.com), Samuel French, Inc., ISBN 0-573-61143-2, p. 3
  4. ^ "Tony Awards, 1970 Listing" broadwayworld.com, accessed April 8, 2012
  5. ^ Greenspun, Roger. "Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1972). Screen: 'Last of the Red Hot Lovers' at Music Hall" The New York Times, August 18, 1872

External links [edit]
Plays
Musicals
Films
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