Monthly Archives: April 2014

Tempers flare in the Presidential Suite of the Palm Beach Royale in The Drama Workshop’s production of SUITE SURRENDER, opening May 2. Pictured left-to-right: Stefanie Adams, Joe Wagner, Robin Rubeo, Dennis Murphy, Lynn Minges. Image provided by The Drama Workshop

(Cheviot, Ohio) The Drama Workshop is thrilled to present the Cincinnati regional premiere of Michael McKeever’s hilarious hotel comedy, “Suite Surrender”. Performances will take place at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave, Cheviot. The show runs from May 2 to May 18, with performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for three consecutive weekends. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 pm, and Sunday performances are at 2 pm.

“Suite Surrender” takes place in 1942. Two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel — assistants, luggage, a lap dog, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime benefit performance…that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. The hotel staff must somehow keep the two apart from each other and away from the gossip columnist who has appeared at the hotel. Of course, everything that can go wrong, does. As hotel manager Mr. Dunlap exclaims, “The war is a bad thing. This is much, much worse.”

Hilarious characters, slamming doors and the antics of the frantic hotel staff will have the audience surrendering to waves of laughter.

The show features an award-winning cast, including Gretchen Gantner (Mrs. Osgood), Dennis Murphy (Mr. Dunlap), Julia Hedges (Murphy), Stefanie Adams (Athena Sinclair), Dan Maloney (Francis), Lynn Minges (Claudia McFadden), Chuck Beatty (Mr. Pippet), Robin Rubeo (Dora Del Rio), and Joe Wagner (Otis). They are joined by the adorable Evie (Mr. Boodles), a toy poodle accompanied by Kent and Carol Smith.

“Suite Surrender” is directed by Fred Hunt, who received Cincinnati Association of Community Theatres and Ohio Community Theater Association awards for last season’s “The Laramie Project” for Center Stage Players. The similarly accomplished production staff is headed by producer Ray Persing and stage manager Wendy Williams.

This is Mr. Hunt’s first show directing for TDW, and he exudes excitement. “When you combine the brilliance of Mr. McKeever’s script with the talent and dedication of The Drama Workshop, you are guaranteed to have a successful production,” he said. “I am truly blessed to be part of the team that gets to bring the show to this region.”

The Drama Workshop performs at The Glenmore Playhouse, formerly the Glenmore Bowl, at the corner of Glenmore and Gamble in the heart of the Cheviot Business District. There are many options for dinner and drinks within a short walk from the Playhouse. TDW received a prestigious Rehabilitation Award from the Cincinnati Preservation Association last November for their efforts to save the building from demolition and repurpose it. The Glenmore Playhouse also recently installed new theatrical seating for the audience’s comfort. Tickets may be reserved on-line at The Drama Workshop’s website, http://www.thedramaworkshop.org, or by calling the ticket line at 513.598.8303. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are strongly recommended. “Suite Surrender” contains some mild adult language.

THE DRAMA WORKSHOP was founded in 1954. TDW is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and promotion of the theatrical arts. The Drama Workshop is widely recognized as one of greater Cincinnati’s most accomplished community theater organizations, garnering dozens of awards annually from the Cincinnati Association of Community Theatres. TDW productions have been regularly selected to represent the Southwest Ohio region at the Ohio Community Theatre Association annual conference, and TDW was also honored to represent the state of Ohio at the American Association of Community Theatre regional conference in 2013. The Drama Workshop recently was recognized by the Cincinnati Preservation Association for their efforts to rehabilitate the former Glenmore Bowl into The Glenmore Playhouse. Prospective members, and individuals or businesses interested in becoming involved or in helping advance TDW’s mission are encouraged to contact the group through our website at www.thedramaworkshop.org, or by phone at 513-598-8303.