'Suite Surrender'

in Blowing Rock July 3-12

What do you get when you have two divas, two egos and one suite? A trifecta that makes for one wacky ride and an infinite number of laughs.

The Blowing Rock Stage Company is offering reservations for the North Carolina premiere production of this loving ode to those wonderful farces of the ’30s and ’40s. Suite Surrender plays at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock July 3-12.

In award-winning South Florida playwright Michael McKeever’s funnybone-tickling farce Suite Surrender, it’s 1942 and the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel is under siege as two of Hollywood’s biggest divas — and their enormous egos — vie for the same suite. And like any good farce, mistaken identities and double entendres, as well as a pampered little lap dog, fly around like an out-of-control bellhop.

“Suite Surrender is my homage to those great comic movies of the ’30s and ’40s,” McKeever saud. “Bringing Up Baby, You Can't Take It with You, His Girl Friday, films like these have always delighted and inspired me. There's a sophistication that runs arm-in-arm with the zany antics throughout these films. Something you don't find in many modern comedies. Suite Surrender is my humble take on this genre.”

BRSC is also pleased to announce that McKeever himself will be in Blowing Rock to star in his own comedy (as Mr. Pippet, the personal private secretary of one of the divas, legendary star Claudia McFadden), along with a seasoned professional cast that includes BRSC veterans Kim Cozort, Lynn Llewelyn, Rebecca Koon and newcomer Beth Dimon. Producing artistic director Kenneth Kay will direct the comedy.

“It's a kick playing in my own work, especially a broad comedy Suite Surrender,” McKeever added. “There's nothing better than being on stage and hearing an audience roar with laughter at something you've written. It's also great to be onstage with amazing actors like Kim Cozort or Beth Dimon and watching them create magic with your words.”

McKeever, the author of 15 plays, is the winner of two Carbonell Awards (The Garden of Hannah List, Charlie Cox) and three Curtain Up Awards (Running with Scissors, Open Season, Sexy & Miggs).

As a special Suite Surrender opening night event, the Hayes Center will offer heavy hors d’ouevres courtesy of Glidewell’s restaurant in the outside courtyard at the Hayes Center on Friday, July 3, from 6:30-7:45 p.m. (In the event of rain, the reception will take place in the Ebert Rehearsal Hall on the second floor.) Cost is $10 per person (pay in advance or at the door).

Additional Suite Surrender dinner and show packages starting at $77 per couple are also available at Glidewell’s, Bistro Roca, Crippen’s and the Manor House at Chetola.

Performances for Suite Surrender are July 3 at 8 p.m., July 4 at 7 p.m., July 5 at 2 & 7 p.m., July 8 at 8 p.m., July 9 at 2 & 8 p.m., July 10 at 8 p.m., July 11 at 2 & 8 p.m., and July 12 at 2 p.m.

Individual tickets are $26 for adults, $14 for students and are available now by calling the box office at (828) 295-9627. You may pay by credit card or by cash (in person). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.HayesCenter.org by credit card. Special group rates are also available (10 person minimum). Season and Flex Passes can be purchased and used throughout the entire ’09 season.

The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Road (off U.S. 321) in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295-9627.

Upcoming Shows

July 6
SUMMER BLUES FESTIVAL
Back by popular demand, the King Bees return…this time with Big Ron Hunter and Johnny Rawls.

July 17-Aug. 2
BYE BYE BIRDIE
All-American rock & roll musical about a teen singing sensation named Conrad Birdie and the publicity stunt he stages before being inducted into the Army. Produced by the Blowing Rock Stage Company.

July 20
IT’S ELVIS
Performer Ryan Pelton takes us through the eras of Elvis Presley’s amazing career — from the raw-edge ’50s to the Las Vegas ’70s, all on the set of Bye Bye Birdie.

Aug. 7-16
ANGEL STREET
A psychological thriller set in Victorian England that inspired the 1944 Oscar-winning film Gaslight. Produced by the Blowing Rock Stage Company.

Aug. 21-Sept. 6
HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY
Musical biography of the country legend. Produced by the Blowing Rock Stage Company.

Aug. 23
CHICAGO CITY LIMITS
Legendary improv comedy theatre troupe performs smart, topical humor and is family friendly. “Funniest show in town” –New York Post

Aug. 30
BLUE RIDGE DESCENDENTS
James Coffee, Bob Harmon and Glenn Bolick celebrates the music and tradition that made Appalachian mountain life and the music it begat so unique.