KITTY HAWK  - This September, Theatre of Dare is kicking off its big, bold 35th season by inviting audiences to step back into the swinging ’60s with Neil Simon’s classic comedy Last of the Red Hot Lovers, running September 12 through 21 at its theater in Kitty Hawk.

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Directed by Eric Nicholds, this funny and poignant play stars Tim Hass as Barney Cashman, a mild-mannered, middle-aged seafood restaurateur who’s ready to break out of his shell. Hoping to spice up his predictable life with a one-night romantic adventure, Barney finds himself fumbling through three wildly different encounters—with a brash, man-hungry customer (Kim Plyler), an offbeat aspiring actress (Leah Cribb), and his best friend’s emotionally fragile wife (Jessica Sands).

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The Tony-nominated play debuted on Broadway in late 1969 and featured comic performances by the likes of James Coco, Linda Lavin, Doris Roberts, Dom DeLuise and Rita Moreno. It was also made into a 1972 film featuring Alan Arkin and Sally Kellerman.

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“This is classic Neil Simon,” says director Eric Nicholds. “Witty dialogue, physical comedy, and just a pinch of social commentary about the sexual revolution of the ’60s and early ’70s. The audience is going to have a great time.”

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Tim Hass brings warmth and comic timing to the role of Barney. “Barney isn’t a bad guy,” Hass said with a laugh. “He’s just gotten to that point in life where he thinks the grass is greener on the other side. What he’s going to find out is that that grass can be very difficult to mow!”

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Last of the Red Hot Lovers is rated PG for mild adult language, drug use and sexual innuendo and promises a night of laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments.

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Tickets and more information are available at theatreofdareobx.com.

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(Theatre of Dare’s production of “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sept. 14 and 21. Some tickets will be available at the door on performance days, subject to availability. This production is rated PG for some mild adult language, drug use and sexual innuendo.)