The temper of Juror #3 (Michael Marler, left) reaches a boiling point and he lashes out at Juror #8 (Laurin Wilkerson, right), requiring the 5th and 1st Jurors (Trevor Forrest and Abbie Pruitt) to restrain him. Watching in the background (l-r) are Shawn Blakey, Bella Sanders (back), Lauren Bentley, Frank Fulbright (back), Leigh Hartmann, Tony Macchia, and Nina Posey (partially hidden).
By Cynthia Uhrich
The play is set in 1942 at the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel. Two of Hollywood’s biggest divas vie for the same suite when set to perform at a war-time fundraising function. The play abounds with mistaken identities, double entendre, and includes a pampered “lap dog.” It was written in 2008, and is a love note to the farces of the 1930s and 40s.
This screwball comedy (like the best of them) requires vigorous energy and snappy comedic timing reminiscent of “His Girl Friday” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” It will be good for the cast to have an audience to boost the energy. The give-and-take between actors and audience is vital when playing this genre. Comedic farces live and die by pacing, purpose, and energy.
The Divas (Janet Pharr and Rose Weser) give the audience contrasting character portrayals of demanding, spoiled women accustomed to getting their own way.
Trevor Forrest plays Mr. Dunlap, the put-upon and frazzled manager of the hotel who makes it clear from the start that he has seen it all at this hotel and is over it.
The secretaries to the divas (Tyreako Bailey and Laurin Wilkerson) bring a breath of fresh air with their entrances. Bailey, in particular, has a larger-than-life energy that (mostly) works well for the genre.
Facilitating the crazy comings-and-goings are two bellhops (Trix Sunga and Travis Labor) who are well-cast for their physical differences, and an intrusive reporter played energetically by Shannon Bentley.
There are some moments of physical comedy that are unexpected and bold.
The set is cheerfully bright, which works for comedy. Mr. Boodles impresses in his nuanced performance. The cast is having fun. The play’s denouement is lengthy…which is unusual for the genre. I wanted the play to wrap up quickly after the plot twist. Helming the production are co-directors Jason LeBlanc and Lauren Bentley.
Suite Surrender will perform on December 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 3pm on Sunday. Unlike most productions, there is only one Sunday performance this time, so patrons are encouraged to get their tickets early. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased on the theater's website, WashingtonLittleTheater.org
NOTE: I attended the first dress rehearsal and one of the actors was out sick.
Cynthia Uhrich recently moved to Washington from St. Paul, Minnesota where she taught acting classes for 16 years. She is an award-winning director, filmmaker and screenwriter She began acting as a child, performing on stage and then on-camera as a teen. She was a member of the professional actor unions (SAG & AFTRA) for 25 years and had a recurring role on the television series' Star Trek and Passions. www.InTheMomentProductions.org
