“Last of the Red Hot Lovers” opens Illustrious Theatre's new season

Warwick - The Illustrious Theatre Company, in residence at the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, opens its fifth season with Neil Simon’s romantic comedy, “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” on Feb. 23, 24, 25 and March 2, 3 and 4. The company will also continue its collaboration with the Tri-State Actors Theater by presenting a third weekend at group’s theatre in Sussex County, N.J., on Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. “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. In the play Barney Cashman, a middle-aged married nebbish, wants to join the sexual revolution of the late 60’s before it’s too late. Joe Barra of Pine Bush will portray Barney in ITC’s production, with Victoria Ford, Cindy Rea, and Mary Lee Shorr portraying the three women who come into Barney’s life. 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. Seating, which is cabaret style, begins at 6:15 on Friday and Saturday and 5:45 on Sunday for those planning to enjoy a 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 (845-258-4858), or through the winery’s Web site (www.wvwinery.com). Ticket 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 Road in Warwick, just off County Route 1 in the Pine Island region. The final two performances at Tri-State Actors Theater in Sussex will be March 9 and 10. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the theatre at 973-875-2950. The historic Crescent Theatre is located at 74 Fountain Square in downtown Sussex. For additional information, call 973-764-4936 or visit the ITC Web site at www.theillustrioustheatre.org.