Check into "Suite Surrender" at Gallery Theater

Gallery Theater presents the final production of their ninth season, "Suite Surrender" by Michael McKeever.

It's 1942, and two of Hollywood's biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel — assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance…that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 30s and 40s.

The production is directed by Gallery Theater Artistic Director Gail Cannata. She was enthusiastic about the play immediately. "When I first read the script, I laughed out loud. I thought our patrons would enjoy the characters and how they worked their way through the crazy story line. I also knew this would be a fun show to direct," Cannata said.

Nancy Braus and Carolyn Larsen have appeared on the Gallery Theater stage several times and they both appreciate the opportunity to perform in "Suite Surrender." "It is a classic farce that is just plain fun. Each character has a distinct personality that contribute to many truly comic moments," Braus explained. "The slapstick, quick-moving humor in this script really grabbed my attention right away. My character is an all-out diva. I enjoy her attitude and confidence. She's fun to play," Larsen added.

Gallery Theater is an intimate sized theater and many of their productions have had fully sold out runs. The venue is enjoyed by patrons and actors alike. Tickets are likely to go very quickly for "Suite Surrender."

"I enjoy the intimate atmosphere of our theater. Many first-time patrons become regulars because they feel the connection of the intimate setting and want to see more quality theater up close and personal," Cannata said. "The people who are a part of Gallery Theater are kind, fun to work with, encouraging, and generous. Working on plays here has always been very enjoyable," Larsen added. "Gallery Theater is one of my favorite places to perform. There is an intimacy to the space that allows the audience to feel connected to whatever story is being conveyed. As an actor, I have always felt lucky to have worked at Gallery with its warm and supportive environment," Braus said.

"Suite Surrender" opens Thursday May 30 and runs for 8 performances over two weekends until Sunday June 9. Performances on opening night as well as Fridays May 31 & June 7 and Saturdays June 1 & 8 begin at 7:30 PM. Matinees on Sundays June 2 & 9 begin at 3 PM. There is a special matinee on Saturday June 8 at 3 PM. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for seniors/students.

The production features the cast of Nancy Braus, Matt Hellyer, Carolyn Larsen, Galen Malick, Cheryl Rice, Justin Schaller, Heidi Swarthout, Carol Townsend, and Carl Zeitler.

Gallery Theater is located at 129 Main St. in West Chicago. Free parking is available. Tickets are now on sale and are $16 for adults and $14 for seniors/students. The performance for Saturday June 1st is already SOLD OUT. Please reserve your tickets ASAP at gallerytheaterstudio.com/show-dates.

You can also reserve tickets by emailing gallerytickets@gmail.com. For more information, please visit gallerytheaterstudio.com or call 630-234-5919.