Locals heat up the stage

POMPTON LAKES — Though summer may be drawing to a close, things are surely heating up at the Rhino Theater where the Neil Simon comedy, "Last of the Red Hot Lovers," will be opening Friday, Aug. 1.

Local involvement
The show's director Leslie Silverman, a West Milford resident, has been involved at the Rhino for some time now and helped pick this show.

"I have been a member here for nine years and I had already directed a play," she said. "We had a couple ideas because we knew we wanted to do a comedy. [Artistic director] Carmela and myself named a few shows and then when we narrowed it down — this was selected,"

One of the lead actresses Cindy Rea, a Hewitt resident, couldn't pass up the opportunity to bring Simon's characters to life.

"I have been involved at Smiling Rhino for quite a few years," Rea said. "I've done a lot of musicals."

With such a well-known show, actors often have trouble bringing a new life to the characters they are playing.

Rea has a unique approach to that.

"The words all have to be the same but I think each actor brings their own personality to each character that they do," she said. "I don't watch TV or movies that are based on what I'm doing. I don't want to copy what has been done. I just read the script and try to become that character."

What to expect
The show itself focuses on Barney Cashman, a middle aged owner of a seafood restaurant who is afraid that the sexual revolution of the 1960's is passing him by. Over the space of nine months, he makes several attempts at seduction, only to learn that it is much more complicated and difficult than he could have imagined.

The show may not be new, but it stands the test of time, according to Silverman.

"People will laugh a lot and just have a wonderful time," she said. "It is classic Neil Simon. It may have been written many decades ago but it is still a good show."

Rea agrees that the show is a classic comedy and a great time.

"Neil Simon has an uncanny sense of making everyday things that people can relate to seem poignant," she said. "It is a funny show that just appeals to so many people."

While the material isn't profane, it isn't really child friendly either.

"It is for mature audiences because there is a little bit of sexual innuendo," Silverman said. "It's not profane but it is not meant for kids. It is a great night out for mom and dad."

Rea thinks that the show itself is only part of the charm at the Rhino Theater.

"It is a great theater with a balcony. The old movie house seats have great views and it's just comfortable theater," she said. "It really is beautiful and there is not a bad seat in the house."