Act II Playhouse Presents Neil Simon's HOTEL SUITE, Now thru 3/16

Act II Playhouse presents Neil Simon's Hotel Suite, a greatest-hits collection of Simon's most hilarious one-act plays, from tonight, Feb. 18 - March 16, 2014.

This is the first Neil Simon comedy in Act II's 15 seasons. "Act II audiences tend to love good comedy in our theatre, where there isn't a bad seat in the house and even the smallest facial tic or vocal inflection is able to be seen and heard," Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite said. "And I'd venture to say no American playwright has ever garnered more laughs than Mr. Simon."

Tickets for Neil Simon's Hotel Suite at Act II Playhouse are $23- $34. Discounts are available for subscribers, students, group of 10 or more, and seniors (65+). Tickets are available online at http://www.act2.org, by calling the Act II box office at (215) 654-0200, or in person at 56 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler.

Neil Simon's Hotel Suite is comprised of four of the master playwright's most hilarious short plays, drawn from the best of Plaza Suite, California Suite, and London Suite. The story follows the comic misadventures of two married couples in upscale hotel rooms around the globe.

"This play will make you laugh uncontrollably and also have your reaching for a kleenex," director Matt Silva said. "In typical fashion, Simon's words coupled with his frantic and outrageous situations are sure to delight. The play is not only hysterical, it is also deeply human."

Braithwaite and Tracie Higgins star as Marvin and Millie Hubley. In Act I, Marvin has woken up with another woman passed out in his hotel room, and attempts to hide her when his wife unexpectedly arrives. Karen Peakes and Leonard C. Haas stars as actress Diana Nichols and her husband Sidney. In Act I, Diana is fretting because she is up for an Academy Award.

In Act II, we see both couples in new situations. Janet McWilliams rounds out the cast in three small roles.

"We have cast five actors that have made a living out of making audiences laugh in Philadelphia," Silva said. "This play provides these actors the opportunity to flex both their comedic and dramatic muscles."

The creative team for Neil Simon's Hotel Suite includes set designer Roman Tatarowicz, costume designer Jill Keys, sound designer Sonny Leo, and lighting designer James Leitner.

For Act II, Silva has previously directed the hit musical Burt and Me.

"Directing a Neil Simon play has always been something I've wanted to do," Silva said. "He writes like human beings speak. We laugh because he captures people and their struggles, failures, successes, insecurities, and triumphs so realistically. His ability to portray the human condition in such a comedic way is something that I can't wait to dive into. I can't wait to get into rehearsal with this veteran group of actors to bring Simon's words to life."