Check into 'Suite Surrender' at Gallery Theater May 30 to June 9
The Gallery Theater in West Chicago presents "Suite Surrender" by Michael McKeever on May 30 to June 9.
It's 1942, and two of Hollywood's biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel - assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance … that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double-entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 1930s and '40s.
The production is directed by Gallery Theater Artistic Director Gail Cannata of West Chicago. She was enthusiastic about the play immediately. "When I first read the script, I laughed out loud. I thought our patrons would enjoy the characters and how they worked their way through the crazy storyline. I also knew this would be a fun show to direct," Cannata said.
"Suite Surrender" features a cast of Nancy Braus (Schaumburg), Matt Hellyer (Algonquin), Carolyn Larsen (Wheaton), Galen Malick (Bartlett), Cheryl Rice (Elmhurst), Justin Schaller (Elgin), Heidi Swarthout (Oswego), Carol Townsend (West Chicago), and Carl Zeitler (Glen Ellyn).
Nancy Braus and Carolyn Larsen have appeared on the Gallery Theater stage several times and they both appreciate the opportunity to perform in "Suite Surrender." "It is a classic farce that is just plain fun. Each character has a distinct personality that contribute to many truly comic moments," Braus explained. "The slapstick, quick-moving humor in this script really grabbed my attention right away. My character is an all-out diva. I enjoy her attitude and confidence. She's fun to play," Larsen added.
Gallery Theater is an intimate sized theater and many of their productions have had fully sold-out runs. The venue is enjoyed by patrons and actors alike. Tickets are likely to go very quickly for "Suite Surrender."
"I enjoy the intimate atmosphere of our theater. Many first-time patrons become regulars because they feel the connection of the intimate setting and want to see more quality theater up close and personal," Cannata said. "The people who are a part of Gallery Theater are kind, fun to work with, encouraging, and generous. Working on plays here has always been very enjoyable," Larsen added.
"Gallery Theater is one of my favorite places to perform. There is an intimacy to the space that allows the audience to feel connected to whatever story is being conveyed. As an actor, I have always felt lucky to have worked at Gallery with its warm and supportive environment," Braus said.
"Suite Surrender" opens Thursday, May 30 and runs for 8 performances over two weekends until June 9. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, May 31 and June 7, and Saturdays, June 1 and 8. Matinees on Sundays, June 2 and 9, begin at 3 p.m. There is a special matinee on Saturday, June 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 or $14 for seniors/students.
Gallery Theater is located at 129 Main St. in West Chicago. Free parking is available. For more information and tickets, visit gallerytheaterstudio.com or call (630) 234-5919.