Neil Simon's PLAZA SUITE Opens at Hedgerow Theatre, 2/9

As Valentine's Day approaches, Hedgerow Theatre, America's First Repertory Theatre, enters the comedy portion of its winter repertory schedule with Neil Simon's comic gem Plaza Suite, Feb. 9-March 6. Janet Kelsey directs the production.

Hedgerow's Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed and Technical Director Zoran Kovcic, real-life spouses, play a middle-aged couple on their second honeymoon then appear, in the second separate story, as bickering parents of a stressed-out bride on her wedding day.

Playing two different couples in two different stories is easy for the pair as they've been married for the past 37 years. For some couples, working together in such close proximity could be a stressful experience, but these two stage veterans relish the opportunity.

"I get to work with a first class artist," says Kovcic. "Her sense of humor comes out on stage. We simply love performing together."

Simon's classic, "Plaza Suite," was nominated for three Tony Awards in 1968 and then was turned into a highly successful film starring Walter Matthau. It is still one of Simon's most enduring, and endearing, plays. Set in the spectacular Plaza Hotel in New York City, the first act, "Visitor From Mamaroneck" introduces the audience to not-so-blissfully wedded couple Sam and Karen Nash. They are revisiting theirhoneymoon suite in an attempt to rekindle their marriage.
The second act, "Visitor from Forest Hills," returns to the same suite, but this time the story involves married couple Roy and Norma Hubley on their daughter Mimsey's wedding day.They are hosting an expensive wedding reception and face a huge problem - the bride refuses to come out of the bathroom. "Plaza Suite" also features current Hedgerow residents David Polgar, William Moore and Rebecca Cureton.

Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30; with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Previews are 1 p.m. Feb. 9 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10. The 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13 show includes a complimentary "sweets-for-your-sweetheart" intermission.

For reservations, call 610-565-4211, or visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre is located at 64 Rose Valley Road, Media.

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