Rob Lowe Braves Farce

It was open season on Rob Lowe -- yes, that Rob Lowe -- as soon as the usual suspects realized the actor was making his Broadway debut in "A Little Hotel on the Side," the second offering of the National Actors Theater. "A National Scandal," punned the headline on the People page of The Daily News when it ran pictures of Mr. Lowe. And Cindy Adams reminded her readers in The New York Post that Mr. Lowe "personally staged a now famous production a while back in some little hotel on the side in Atlanta," referring to the actor's naughty videotape at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.

But Mr. Lowe insists he's having the last laugh. After all, he plays the ridiculously virginal Maxime, the earnest philosophy student, in the restaging of an 1894 farce by Georges Feydeau. It is in previews at the Belasco Theater preparing for its opening on Sunday.

"The idea of casting me in this role is amusing in itself," said the 27-year-old actor on a recent afternoon. In the play, a randy maid, Victoire, played by Madeleine Potter, pursues the shy lycee-bound lad ceaselessly, to comic effect. "I usually play the romantic lead, and now I'm the blushing bride."

Tom Moore is directing the comedy, which stars Tony Randall, the company's founder, as an adulterous builder, Benoit Pinglet, and Lynn Redgrave as his formidable wife, Angelique; Mr. Lowe plays their neighbor's nephew. Also on the bill, in addition to Ms. Potter, are George N. Martin, Maryann Plunkett, John Beal, Paxton Whitehead and Alec Mapa. Attractions of a Reversal

Mr. Randall called Mr. Lowe's acceptance of the role "a testament to his humility," pointing out that "it's a small part in the play, and yet it's very important that it be done well.

"I confess I did find it delightful to cast Rob in such a virginal role. It charmed me, somehow, that Madeleine is the aggressor."