Entertaining Chicago

Chicago Theater Reviews | Reviews of Chicago Shows and more!

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • PR Contact

“Last of the Red Hot Lovers” Leaves a Lasting Impression!

March 31, 2015 By Alli Leave a Comment

Last Of The Red Hot Lovers Chicago ReviewOne of the best things about being in Chicago is that everyone has access to good theatre. Whether it be in a larger theater downtown, a black box on the North Side or a small space in the suburbs, it’s just a matter of finding it!

Tucked away in a Skokie theater, the Emergent Theatre Company recently opened their production of Neil Simon’s “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers.” Directed by Robert Costanzo (“City Slickers,” “Friends”), this is a classic show about a long-time married man who is contemplating having an affair with three different women. It is performed in three related vignettes, each focusing on the relationship between our leading man and one of the women. The concern that I think any audience has in these situations is “will the next vignette be as strong as the last one?” Quite enthusiastically I can tell you, each time a new actress entered the stage, I was engaged by the different energy, but the consistent strength of performance.

As the lights go down at the top of the show, the Jimmy Buffet song “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” begins to play. This fun nod to what you are about to experience tapers off and we are greeted by our leading man Jim Saltouros as Barney Cashman – a gentle and unfulfilled restaurant owner. Mr. Saltouros’ Barney is a man whose curiosity and anticipation leaves you remembering just how it felt to go on a first date.

Last Of The Red Hot Lovers Chicago ReviewThe show’s talented leading ladies (Kelly Levander as Elaine Navazio, Rachel Rosen as Bobbi Michelle and Lisa Stran as Jeanette Fisher) each capture an energy unique unto themselves and propel their individual scenes forward. Ms. Levander is sassy and brash as the experienced other women, Ms. Rosen is boisterous and wacky as the actress who can spin stories and Ms. Stran is hilariously sorrowful. With Mr. Saltouros’ Barney trying to figure his way through each debacle, the show is energetic, full of laughs and may remind you that the grass isn’t always greener.

Emergent Theatre: Last of the Red Hot Lovers Review – Last Of The Red Hot Lovers is playing at the Mayer Kaplan JCC Theatre, 5050 Church St. in  Skokie through 4/19/15. Tickets can be purchased through Goldstar at a discount.

Related Posts

  • Marriott Theatre’s ‘West Side Story’ Is A Modern DreamMarriott Theatre’s ‘West Side Story’ Is A Modern Dream
  • Drury Lane Theatre’s “White Christmas” Is A Blast From The PastDrury Lane Theatre’s “White Christmas” Is A Blast From The Past
  • Kids Bowl Free Chicago Locations!Kids Bowl Free Chicago Locations!
  • Goodman Theatre’s “Rapture, Blister, Burn” Stands Up For WomenGoodman Theatre’s “Rapture, Blister, Burn” Stands Up For Women
Summary
"Last Of The Red Hot Lovers" Leaves a Lasting Impression!
Article Name
"Last Of The Red Hot Lovers" Leaves a Lasting Impression!
Description
The Chicago performance of "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" is funny, engaging and full of heart. Check out this Neil Simon classic while it's here!
Author
Alli Doubek

Filed Under: Chicago Theater, Chicago Theater, Chicago Theater Reviews

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Image Map

Chicago Food & Bev b
Copyright 2022, Entertaining Chicago. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs | Google+
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT