Play Review 'Red Hot Lovers' is a groovy, cool show
By Sally Carpenter sallyc@theacorn.com

AFTERNOON DELIGHT- Barney (Ronald Rezac) doesn't know what's in store when he invites Bobbi (Dawn Meyer) to a discreet rendezvous. The play runs through June 17 at High Street Arts Center.

The title "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers" sounds like a frantic sex farce, but it's actually a stunning probe into human nature. If you thought Neil Simon only wrote yuck-a-minute sitcoms like "The Sunshine Boys" and "The Odd Couple," then you're in for a treat at the High Street Arts Center.

"Lovers" is really three oneact, two-hander plays set in the 1960s. One character appears in all acts- 47-year-old Barney Cashman (Ronald Rezac), an ordinary man with an adequate income, a respectable job, reliable wife, predictable routine- but no zest for life. He's caught in both a middle-age crisis and the '60s' sexual revolution when free love overturned staid marriages.

Barney's obsessed with mortality, and he won't go willingly into that dark night without some passion in his humdrum life. To this end he invites three women (a different one in each act) to his mother's apartment with the intent of having an affair. Being Neil Simon, a "wholesome" playwright, one can predict how the action will turn out, but the process is more fun than the product.

Lady No. 1 is Elaine Navazio (Amy Jennings), a cynical, chain-smoking married woman who's already had several affairs. All she wants from Barney is a good romp. All he wants, at first, is genteel conversation. With such conflicting goals, neither party will be happy. Elaine's angry with Barney's timidity, and Barney's frustrated that he can't crack the woman's hardened heart. Both finally explode with accusations, revelations and hurts.

After several months Barney tries again and experiences a crazy afternoon with Bobbi Michelle (Dawn Meyer) and Mary Jane (wink, wink). You've seen Bobbi's character in many "hip" movies- the bubbly but dizzy bimbo in the tight miniskirt and heavy eye makeup who can't understand why the perverts gravitate toward her.

Bobbi gets most of the lines and laughs in this act, the funniest of the three. When Bobbi introduces Barney to his first joint, prepare to laugh boisterously.

Lady No. 3 is Jeanette Fisher (Vivien Latham), a longtime personal friend of Barney and his wife. Not only is Jeanette depressed that her husband is cheating on her, she's dejected about the entire human race. She sees no happiness in her life and no reason to live. This is hardly the stuff of comedy.

Before the play deteriorates into a Tennessee Williams tragedy, Barney uses his humor and wits to show that, yes, there's still some decency alive in a lustful world.

"Lovers" offers character study more than plot. Not much happens, but we learn plenty about these fascinating characters. Nobody physically removes their clothes, yet they strip their souls naked.

All of the actors receive raves for their touching performances. Rezac embodies the cautious organizational man who thrives on punctuality. He expertly defines his character in the opening moments, not with words but through his meticulous actions, carefully removing his rain rubbers so they don't drip on the carpet. Such a man is hardly a swinger.

The fun is watching Rezac's character change from act to act, starting out uptight and shy, relaxing into confident and bold.

Jennings plays her role almost too well. Her Elaine is so bitter that I wanted to shout, "Barney! Get a nicer girl!" No wonder Barney couldn't unwind with her- she's too wound up herself.

Meyer is simply hilarious as the flower child, and Latham is to be pitied as the despairing housewife.

The humor comes from the characters more than zippy oneliners. There are fewer jokes and more heart than a typical Simon play.

The play premiered in 1969 when Simon was 42 years old. One wonders if Simon wrote about his own middleage issues. He certainly gives insight into American culture, which insisted that men seek contentment with exotic adventures, not in stable relationships and the simple joys of daily life. Simon demonstrates that psychoanalysis and pill-popping don't bring happiness.

George Kralemann deftly directs and keeps the characters constantly in flow. The set is realistic right down to the swivel chair and rotary phone. Love the costumes, especially Jeanette's "Jackie O" dress.

The show continues weekends through June 17 at 47 E. High St., Moorpark. For tickets, call (805) 529-8700.