Director Praises Cast Chemistry in “Last of the Red Hot Lovers”

Robert Spain, the director of Trumbull New Theatre’s production of “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” is eager about his cast. Despite a smaller turnout at auditions, Spain believes he has found the perfect actors to bring Neil Simon’s witty dialog and relatable characters to life. The play, a Broadway hit that ran for over 700 performances from 1969 to 1971 and was adapted into a 1972 film, delves into the mid-life crisis of Barney Cashman, portrayed by Thomas Burd, as he attempts to navigate the rapidly changing social landscape of the era.

Spain emphasized the unconventional casting choice of Amy Burd playing all three female roles, a departure from the traditional staging that employs three different actresses. He expressed his confidence in this decision, explaining:

“When Amy came in and I looked at her audition form, she said, ‘I would love to play all three parts.’ Well, I’ve worked with Amy on several different plays, and I think she’s one of the premier female actresses in the area, along with her ex-husband, Tom Burd, who I think is one of the better actors in the area. So when she said she wanted to play all three roles, I said, this is a match made in heaven. I’ve got two veteran actors that I know I don’t have to spoon-feed. It makes my job a lot easier, especially on a play like this.”

Robert Spain, Director

This casting decision promises a deeper exploration of the play’s themes, as Amy Burd embodies the diverse perspectives and experiences of the women who enter Barney’s life.

Amy Burd Takes on Triple Role Challenge in neil Simon Comedy

Amy Burd faces a significant acting challenge in “Last of the Red hot Lovers,” portraying three distinct characters, each with her own unique personality and motivations.Spain described the contrasting roles:

“The first woman that comes in is a married woman, but very promiscuous.She has a lot of affairs. She’s a smoker. She coughs and hacks, and he says, ‘Well, what does your husband think of it?’ She goes, ‘well, I don’t care what my husband thinks. I do what I want to do.’ In the second act, she’s this flighty actor you’ll think has a few screws loose. And then when you get to the third act, she’s this mousy housewife whose husband is cheating on her, and so she wants to try to get back at him, but she doesn’t know what to do in a situation like this.”

Robert Spain, Director

This range of characters showcases Amy Burd’s versatility as an actress and provides a compelling dynamic within the play, highlighting the different facets of female identity during a time of social upheaval.

Barney’s Conversion: From Timid to “Worldly” in “Last of the Red Hot Lovers”

While Amy Burd embodies multiple characters, Thomas Burd’s Barney Cashman undergoes his own significant transformation throughout the play.As he attempts to navigate the “sexual revolution,” Barney evolves from a hesitant and inexperienced man to someone who believes he has mastered the art of seduction. Spain elaborated on this transformation:

“By the second act, he brings cigarettes because the woman in the first act wanted a cigarette and he didn’t have any. So now he’s more prepared. And in the third act, he’s bringing champagne, and whistling. This is old hat to him now, and you’ll see the subtle changes in Tom … He kind of changed his role. He went from being the timid guy in the first act to being, ‘I’m used to this stuff now. I’m a worldly man.'”

Robert Spain, Director

This character arc provides a humorous and relatable portrayal of a man grappling with societal changes and his own desires, reflecting the broader anxieties and aspirations of the era.

Neil Simon’s Enduring relevance Explored in Trumbull New Theatre Production

Spain was approached to direct “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” after it was suggested as a potential production. He accepted the offer due to his recognition of neil Simon’s comedic genius and insightful commentary on society.Spain believes the play’s themes remain relevant today, despite the significant changes in sexual mores as the 1960s.

He explained:

“I think it still works,especially with what’s been happening recently with liberalism against conservatism and things like that. They were still going through that same battle back in the ’60s. We left kind of a conservative base in the ’50s to get more liberal and ‘we want our freedoms,’ and we’re still battling with that, I think.”

Robert Spain, Director

this enduring relevance makes “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” a compelling and thought-provoking theatrical experience for modern audiences, prompting reflection on the ongoing tensions between tradition and progress.