'The Last of the Red Hot Lovers' arrives in time for Valentine's Day

Muncie Civic Theatre's presentation of "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers" will give audiences a glimpse at relationships in 1969 — in the midst of the sexual revolution.

Craig Underwood, a Ball State alumnus, is the director of "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers," which opens on Friday.

"The show is about an ordinary guy named Barney Cashman who is bored with his life and decides to have an affair," said Scott McFadden, who plays Cashman. "He attempts to seduce three different women, each of whom has her own hang-ups and neuroses."

Although the play is a Neil Simon comedy, it still has its dramatic moments, said Wendy Carpenter, who plays Jeanette Fisher.

"Neil Simon was not just trying to entertain — though he succeeds at that — but he was also trying to make the audience think, and make a statement about the changes the world was going through in the late ‘60s," McFadden said.

The show will run from Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-19 and Feb. 23-25. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., except the matinee on Feb. 19, which begins at 2:00 p.m.

"Audiences should expect to laugh a lot and see a fine performance from seasoned actors," Phoebe Wantz, assistant director, said.

Carpenter said Ball State students might be particularly interested in "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers" because it highlights issues of the era and life in the ‘60s. Additionally, it promotes cultural literacy — especially about relationships during the sexual revolution.

"This is a show from an earlier era that students at Ball State might not be familiar with, but might want to experience," McFadden said.

Aside from offering a perspective on an unfamiliar era, it will inspire laughs.

McFadden said one of the show's many comedic highlights is his character's interaction with Bobbi, a bizarre hippie who he meets in Central Park.

Despite its many comedic scenes, the show is considered a tragicomedy, which is a mixture of tragedy and comedy.

Still, the cast said they feel the show would be a great date around Valentine's Day. A dinner and theater combo will be offered with Vera Mae's Bistro for patrons attending shows on Feb. 17, 18, 25 and 26. The package costs $30 each and includes a discounted ticket to the performance and $18 to spend on food before the show.

"An evening at the theater always makes a good date," McFadden said. "But this show is not a romantic comedy in the traditional sense. It has some funny moments, but it's also quite serious."

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased online at the Muncie Civic website, on the phone at 765-288-PLAY or at the box office on Tuesday through Friday between noon and 6 p.m.