“Suite Surrender”—Sweet Sensation from Jewel Box Theatre
Actors pose in publicity photo for Jewel Box Theatre’s production, “Suite Surrender.” From left: Joe Bonfiglio, Amandanell Bold, standing, and Zaneen Hotchkiss. Photo taken Monday, Sep 11, 2017. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
Jewel Box Theatre presents the hysterical farce, “Suite Surrender” through October 22, 2017 by noted playwright, Michael McKeever. The comedy is directed by Don Taylor, and he has the perfect cast to deliver the witty repartee with the perfect timing the play deserves. Timing is everything, double takes are imperative for the double entendrs, and a certain lack of fear from the actors make “Suite Surrender” a show that brings the house down, not to mention the Royal Palm Beach Hotel!
It is spring of 1942 and the WWII is on. The exclusive Palm Beach Royale Hotel is crowded with socialites and exuberant servicemen. Bernard S. Dunlap must cope with a troop fundraiser being hosted by leading society matron, Mrs. Everett P. Osgood. This becomes the worst nightmare for the harried hotel manager. Mrs. Osgood has him at her beck and call and he must arrange the benefit while pleasing two feuding star performers, Claudia McFadden and Athena Sinclair, whose rivalry is legendary. He must also fend off the attentions of local gossip columnist, Dora del Rio and his only assistance comes from two rather inept bellhops while ensuring that the little lap dog, Mr. Boodles, has his ‘walkies’ as he juggles the prima donnas and their social secretaries. Of course, he is also beset with misplaced luggage and several bouquets of white roses, shakers of martini’s, alluring photographs and small fires—not to mention the navy, the army, the air corps and, of course, the marines.
The play opens as the two bellboys, Otis and Francis, prepare the Presidential Suite for Claudia McFadden one of the stars scheduled to perform. Otis is played by Joe Bonfiglio and the role of Francis is taken by Kyler Johnson. They begin the play with clarity as well as humor. Officiously, Bernard S. Dunlap, played by David Fletcher Hall, gives them their marching orders. He is the epitome of elegant wit in difficult circumstances. His elegance deteriorates, his wit does not. Mrs. Osgood is revealed in all her star-struck enthusiasm by Dana Billingsley and Dora del Rio is exposed as persistent paparazzi by Allyson Rose. With the entrance of each character, the impossible story builds, the humor expands and the actors excel in timing, pitch and reaction.
Mr. Pippet is the overworked and overlooked social secretary cowed by his impossible to please employer, Claudia McFadden. He is expertly played by Matthew Percival. Murphy Stevens is the talented secretary disillusioned by the Hollywood she sees through her employer, Athena McFadden. She is skillfully played by Amandanell Bold.
Claudia McFadden is the difficult diva, demanding, dynamic and devious and only a most talented actress could possibly achieve this character without becoming stereotypical, and yet remaining absolutely hysterical. Bailey Maxwell is that actress. Athena Sinclair is the vivacious, vibrant, volatile vixen and this role also requires an actress able to walk that fine line between caricature and character. Zaneen Hotchkiss maintains a lovely equilibrium—a perfect choice. Hotchkiss is a fine actress, not a singer (or so she claims) and she credits friend and dramaturg Anna Holloway for her emergence as a singer of no small skill. Maxwell and Hotchkiss harmonize beautifully.
The role of Mr. Boodles is calmly handled by Sassy Jane McDonald. Her performance indicates how easily this cast works and plays together! The credit for making the audience love this show is due to the director. Don Taylor pries perfection from every pore of every person performing in “Suite Surrender” with finesse. In the program Taylor states that his favorite part of the rehearsal process is ‘Watching the characters develop in the hands of the actors. From mere words on a page come real live people to our stage’ Taylor leads a dedicated crew, establishing the Palm Beach Royale Hotel location and the war time ambiance.
“Suite Surrender” plays through October 22, 2017. Curtain is 8:00 pm Thursday through Saturday with a 2:30 Sunday matinee. Visit www.jewelboxtheatre.org for information and tickets or call during box office hours, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday through Saturday for patron’s convenience. The number is 405-521-1786. Everyone should have a little laughter for their soul, surrender to it at “Suite Surrender” from Jewel Box Theatre at 3700 N Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City.