Church Theatre Opens with Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” on March 25, 2022

Queen Anne's

Photographs by SG Atkinson: Church Hill Theatre
Last of the Red Hot Lovers opens on March 25 and runs through April 10, 2022, with performances at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for members and $10 for students. Reservations can be made by calling the Church Hill Theatre office at (410) 556 – 6003 or online at churchhilltheatre.org.

Poster - Church Hill Theatre's Last of the Red Hot LoversIt’s the swinging 1960s and sexually repressed Barney Cashman is determined to be part of the action. Eager but busy managing his seafood restaurant, Barney’s seduction and time-management skills both lack polish. And the women he picks! Elaine is a sexpot for sure, but her needs and Barney’s rapidly diverge. Bobbi seems sweet and vulnerable, until we realize she needs a psychiatrist rather than a lover. And Jeanette—well, she could dampen any man’s libido. Last of the Red Hot Lovers was a solid hit both on Broadway and on film. The 1972 movie adaptation starred Alan Arkin, Sally Kellerman, Paula Prentiss and Renee Taylor. Fifty years later, Barney’s angst and Simon’s wisdom still speak powerfully to contemporary audiences.

Director Bonnie Hill, with a real affinity for Simon plays, has assembled an outstanding and experienced cast. Bryan Zajchowski, seen as Dr. Finache in A Flea in Her Ear, takes on the demanding role of Barney. Brianna Johnson makes her CHT debut as the wacky Bobbi. Christine Kinlock, last seen at CHT in The Importance of Being Ernest and Other Desert Cities, portrays Jeanette. Hill recently directed all three in Circle Mirror Transformation at the Garfield Center for the Arts. Lisa Witmer, making her CHT debut as Elaine, has a strong theater background in the Chicago area, including the Second City Conservatory.

The production staff includes: Sheila Austrian, Producer; Steve Atkinson, Stage Manager; Earl Lewin, Set Design; Carmen Grasso, Set Construction, Connie Fallon, Costumes, Doug Kaufmann, Light and Sound, and Juanita Wieczoreck, Properties.

Please note that the Church Hill Theatre, Inc. requires proof of vaccination for all audience members, staff, volunteers, performers and Board members at all performances and theatre activities. As you enter, you are expected to show either your vaccination card and photo ID or a digital vaccination card. This policy will remain in effect until further notice. Masks will also be required for audiences, front of house volunteers, and staff inside the theatre except while eating and drinking.

For more information, please visit churchhilltheatre.org.