California Suite
by
Neil Simon
DUNFERMLINE DRAMATIC SOCIETY
13–15 February 2025 at 7.30pm
Annexe Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline
Ticket price £14 (£12)
available from the box office on 01383 602302
or through the website www.onfife.com
SUMMARY
A humorous confection divided into three parts showing Neil Simon at his most humane, compassionate best, all taking place in Suite 203-04 in The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Firstly, conservative, middle-aged businessman Marvin Michaels is the “Visitor from Philadelphia”, who awakens to discover a prostitute named Bunny unconscious in his bed after consuming a bottle of vodka. With his wife Millie on her way up to the suite, he must find a way to conceal all traces of his uncharacteristic indiscretion.
Then the “Visitors from London” are British actress Diana Nichols, a first-time nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress, and her husband Sidney, a once-closeted antique dealer who has become increasingly indiscreet. The Oscar could revive her faltering career, but Diana knows she doesn’t have a chance of winning. In deep denial about the true nature of her marriage of convenience, she prepares for her moment in the spotlight, but her mood fluctuates from hope to panic to despair.
Finally, the “Visitors from Chicago” are two affluent couples who are best friends. Stu Franklyn and his wife Gert and Mort Hollander and his wife Beth are taking a much-needed vacation together. Things begin to unravel quickly when Beth is hurt during a tennis match, with Mort accuses Stu of causing her injury.
California Suite is a great example of Neil Simon‘s ability to mix complex real life dilemmas with laugh out lead comedy.
This amateur production of “California Suite” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
This performance will take place in Carnegie Hall’s studio.
