October 2005

Plaza Suite
by Neil Simon.
 

Directed by
Diana Bradley

"Tremendous comic timing"
Dunmow Observer

"Full justice to comedy classic"
Braintree & Witham Times

Plaza Suite by Neil Simon is a comedy consisting of three individual stories that detail the misadventures of very different couples as they face crucial moments in their respective lives – all in the same hotel room in the famous Plaza Hotel.

In the first act, Visitors from Mamaroneck, a middle-aged couple re-visit the hotel room of their honeymoon while their house is being painted; but the arrangement does not end as romantically as might have been expected.

The bellboy (Chris Plumridge) shows Karen Nash
(Jan Ford) into Suite 719, the place in which she
spent her honeymoon 33 years ago.

Karen orders champagne and hors d'oevres from room service ready for her husband Sam's arrival.

An ill-tempered Sam Nash (Rod Foster) arrives
from work, unaware that today is their wedding
anniversary.

Sam calls his secretary to discuss problems he is having with contracts that he is working on.

Sam starts on work he has brought from the office,
whilst Karen wants him to enjoy their anniversary.

As Karen rows with Sam over the work he is doing, the waiter (Chris Plumridge) brings their meal.

Sam's secretary Jean McCormack (Kate Meekins)
arrives to work on Sam's contracts, leaving Karen
feeling an outsider.

Sam admits he is having an affair with Jean. Karen tries to persuade him to stay with her but he returns to work.

The second act, Visitor from Hollywood, features a Hollywood producer who, after three marriages, is looking for fresh fields.  He meets up with his high school sweetheart who, over the years, has idolized him from afar.  Now a suburban housewife, she turns out to be more than he expected.

Muriel Tate (Carol Parradine) comes to Suite 719 to meet up with Jesse Kiplinger (Steve Bradley), who is in New York to sign a director for his new film.

After filling Muriel with several vodka-tonics, Jesse begins his seduction of her.

After a kiss, Muriel is horrified about what she is doing and prepares to leave.

Jesse overcomes her objections and moves in for the kill.

Jesse finally takes Muriel into the bedroom ...

In the last act, Visitor from Forest Hills, a mother and father are driven frantic by their daughter who, with all the preparations made and the guests waiting, is reluctant to proceed with her wedding.

Norma Hubley (Marcia Baldry) explains to her astounded husband Roy (Andy Jameson) that
their daughter Mimsey has locked herself in
the bathroom and is refusing to come out for
her wedding.

An angry Roy bangs on the bathroom door and demands that Mimsey come out.

Mimsey ignores him and an even angrier Roy
now charges the bathroom door.

To Norma's horror, Roy climbs out onto a ledge in an attempt to get in through the bathroom window.

After her husband-to-be Borden (Chris Plumridge)
tells her to "Cool it!", Mimsey (Kate Meekins)
finally emerges.