Arianna Randjbar
Critic
Canterbury High School
It’s 1942, and the Second World War holds the globe firmly in its grip. Men are on the front, women are up to their elbows in factory work and the rich and famous are schmoozing, boozing and funneling their thousands into the war effort from a safe distance. Many of the world’s most affluent individuals have arrived in Florida to attend the illustrious Palm Beach Royale Hotel’s benefit, where rival starlets, Claudia McFadden and Athena Sinclair, have miraculously agreed to perform. Unfortunately, there’s a catch; the two women refuse to be anywhere near each other, and when they are booked into the same suite, it’s a struggle to keep the clashing divas apart. Fortunately, even with war on their doorstep, St. Patrick’s High School entertained with an energetic performance of the farce, aptly entitled Suite Surrender.
The show, written by Michael McKeever, has appeared on stages from South Florida to Germany. Underneath layers of larger-than-life comedy, Suite Surrender reflects a trying reality of the human condition; the selfish needs of individuals take precedence even with a global catastrophe at hand. This is the case for all at the Palm Beach Royale: everyone from Athena Sinclair to star struck bellhop, Otis, has their own agenda. And everyone is willing to risk the success of the benefit in order to satisfy their own desires.
Stella Bashizi embodied the revenge-bent Claudia McFadden with determination, taking to the stage with a strong voice and forceful presence. Olivia Kennedy took on the role of her rival, Athena Sinclair, and delivered well-timed lines with charm. Together, the warring divas brought both verve and tension to the stage.
Eric McGlashan arrived on the scene as Bernard Dunlap: the hotel concierge that could. Outfitted with a wavering voice, purposeful walk and an arsenal of expressive hand gestures, Dunlap simultaneously captivated and kept conflict at bay. In contrast, reporter Dora Del Rio thrived on conflict and even hid in the penthouse closet to get her share of the action. Rebecca Conrod played Dora as if she had been doing so all her life. With her hip-swaying walk and quick-witted remarks, it was as though she was just as much a diva as Claudia or Athena.
Also impressive was Bryan Lalonde, who played Claudia’s secretary, Pippet. Despite being one of the more reserved characters at the Palm Beach Royale, a combination of well-delivered lines and colourful facial expressions truly made Pippet one to watch.
An apt portrayal of 1940s luxe and humanity in the face of global conflict, St. Patrick’s production of Suite Surrender engaged and amused.
Show #27: Suite Surrender
Where: St. Patrick’s High School
Director: Maureen Johnson
Mini-Reviews
Rowan O’Brien
Critic
Canterbury High School
The singing lilt to the voice of Mrs. Osgood, played by Rachelle Gauthier, added something special to the character.
Katie Fahey
Critic
Merivale High School
Alexander Plant and his clear passion was a real surprise. Despite a smaller role as Francis the bellhop, Plant displayed a true talent for acting.
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