Steadstyle Chicago
	July 2008 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com Plaza Suite (Left) Cheri Chenoweth and Jon Steinhagen; (Right) Ted Hoerl, Nora Fiffer and CeCe Klinger; (Below) Frances Wilkerson and Nathaniel Swift in Eclipse Theatre's production of "Plaza Suite" by Neil Simon.  Photos by Scott Cooper. Neil Simon is known for his clever writing and witty characters, thus it is always a pleasure to see one of our local theatre companies take on the challenge of bringing his vibrant characters to life.  Eclipse Theatre Company, best known for their one playwright one season, in celebration of the first ten playwrights is presenting Simon's "Plaza Suite" at The Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater.  This is three stories that all take place in the same suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York.  Each story deals with situations that have our main characters facing crucial issues in their lives. The first story deals with a couple married 22 years (or is it 23?) as they prepare to celebrate the anniversary of their wedding night in Suite 719 at The Plaza (or was it 819?).  No matter, the story is about their relationship and what has happened to it during these years.  While it is a fun-filled scene, it has an ending that one might call a disaster, or is it perhaps for the best?  Featuring Ted Hoerl as the workaholic husband and Cece Klinger as the wife, we take a look at what can happen to a relationship if it is not worked at, and although Simon gives us humor in the situation, it is not a happy ending. The second scene deals with a Hollywood producer who has called his old flame while he is in New York in hopes of rekindling what they had and adding some normalcy to his warped "Show-Biz" life.  Nathaniel Swift plays the dashing producer and Frances Wilkerson the star-struck suburban housewife and mother who comes to the suite in hopes of something but doesn't know exactly what it is she wants.  This is a pure romantic episode, well played under the direction of Steve Scott who manages to take each story to the fullest capacity of the feeling generated by the writing of Mr. Simon. The third story is the funniest one in that it deals with Roy and Norma, somewhat normal and typical parents on their daughter's wedding day, nervous and worried about expense (in particular Roy) on this special day.  The problem?  Their daughter Mimsy has locked herself in the bathroom and wants to call it off.  This episode has a lot of pure comedy as we get the arguing, the blame, the slapstick and pure fun that allows us later to laugh at ourselves. The perfect comic timing of Cheri Chenoweth as Norma and the hysterical Jon Steinhagen make this farcical scene a delight.  The say that laughter is good for what ails you.  After this scene, you won't ail, except maybe from the side splitting laughter you have just experienced!  Also, a tip of the hat to the other two cast members, Nora Fiffer and JP Pierson for handling their supporting roles to perfection. The set by Mike Winkleman is pure artistry.  It looks like a hotel suite and Mr. Scott uses the set and this intimate stage setting to truly make us feel that we are peeking into the lives of these people.  This is a wonderful theatrical experience and while many younger people do not know the work of Mr. Simon, they will get it. "Plaza Suite" will continue through August 31, 2008 at The Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.  Tickets are $25 (except for a special Theatre Thursday on July 24) and are available at the box office, by phone at 773-871-3000 or online at www.eclipsetheatre.com.  While these ticket prices are very low, you can, subject to availability save even more with half price "rush" tickets available one hour before curtain time.    About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The EpochTimes.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.