Illustrious Theatre presents Neil Simon's ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers'

Warwick — The Illustrious Theatre Company, in residence at the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, opens its fifth season with Neil Simon’s outrageous romantic comedy, “Last of the Red Hot Lovers.” Performances at the winery are Feb. 23, 24, 25 and March 2, 3 and 4. Curtain time on Fridays and Saturdays is 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. The company will also continue its unique collaboration with Sussex County’s professional theatre company, Tri-State Actors Theater, by presenting a third weekend at Tri-State’s theatre in Sussex. “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 1969 starring James Coco, Linda Lavin, Doris Roberts, and Marcia Rodd. It won the 1970 Tony Award for Best Play and went on to play 706 performances. Simon, one of America’s most famous and prolific playwrights, got his break writing comedy for Sid Caesar’s live TV comedy “Show of Shows” in the 1950s where he worked along side Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Larry Gelbert, and Carl Reiner. He is the only playwright to have four productions running on Broadway simultaneously. Seating, which is cabaret style, begins at 6:15 on Friday and Saturday and 5:45 on Sunday for those planning to have dinner from the winery’s Pané Café and Bakery. Dinner reservation times are required when purchasing tickets for the play. Tickets are now available at the winery, by phone at 845-258-4858, or through the winery’s Web site(www.wvwinery.com. Ticket prices are $18, or $16 for seniors and children (12 and under). Advanced purchase is recommended, and required for dinner reservations. The Warwick Valley Winery is located at 114 Little York Rd. in Warwick, just off County Route 1 in the Pine Island region. For additional information call 973-764-4936 or visit the ITC Web site at www.theillustrioustheatre.org.