Zak West of Franklin In Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts Production of "Plaza Suite" Beginning February 15

2013 Jan 24

ROCHESTER, NY (01/24/2013)(readMedia)-- The Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts and Theatre League will present Plaza Suite by Neil Simon as the third production of its 2012-2013 season. The show runs February 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2013 at 8 p.m., and February 17 and 24, 2013 at 2 p.m., in Studio A48 at Nazareth College Arts Center.

The Plaza Suite cast, production team, and design team consist entirely of Nazareth College students, including Zak West from Franklin, who has been cast as Ensemble.

Neil Simon has written more than 30 plays and several screenplays throughout his career, and is regarded as one of the best comedic playwrights of all time. His most famous works include Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers, Barefoot in the Park, and his Tony Award-winning play The Odd Couple. In addition to plays, Simon is also credited as the book writer for several Broadway musicals such as Sweet Charity, The Goodbye Girl, and They're Playing Our Song. In 1991, Simon was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his acclaimed work as a playwright.

When considering Plaza Suite, Director Patti Lewis Browne says, "this early, prime Neil Simon play contains everything that has kept him one of America's most popular playwrights for over half a century: fully rounded characters who find themselves in prickly situations and respond in unexpected ways."

Plaza Suite tells the story of three separate couples occupying the same hotel suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Throughout the course of the show we see "one couple revisiting the same room where they honeymooned over 20 years ago, a Hollywood producer who makes the trip back to New York to find an old girlfriend, and another couple whose daughter is reluctant to come out of the bathroom on her wedding day," explains Browne.

"The play switches back and forth between quick-paced comedy and heartbreaking simplicity," adds cast member Zak West. Another member of the company, Matt Allen, adds that "sincere appreciation of family" is what he believes to be at the root of all the hilarity captured in this play. Simon's innate ability to execute elements of farce while upholding the raw emotions of the characters is what makes this play so special.

Cast member Allie Tabor calls attention to Simon's skill as a playwright stating, "It's so well written that it makes our job easier – you can concentrate on getting to all the layers." The witty language used by Simon and the physicality required by the piece are the only tools needed to create beautiful comedy onstage. All that the actors need concern themselves with is telling the story with honesty and conviction.

At its core, Plaza Suite captures big comedy with even bigger heart. Browne explains, "Each character is here at the Plaza hoping to find love of one kind or another and, as in all good comedies, complications ensue." These complications, when tied together in one piece, make for an excellent evening of theatre that is sure to tickle the funny bone and touch the soul.

Tickets

Tickets to Plaza Suite are $10-$12. For tickets, call – or visit – the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: artscenter.naz.edu.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11am – 5pm, and for one hour prior to curtain time for Theatre Arts Department performances.

About the Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts

The Department of Theatre Arts teaches theatre in a liberal arts context developing a student's skills in critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and communication. The program hones students' talents and prepares them for a life in the arts. The Department of Theatre Arts' play season has often been listed among the top 10 nationally by The Princeton Review. This year features productions including Mad Forest, Ordinary Days, Plaza Suite, and The Threepenny Opera. Like every year, all the roles, scenery, costumes, and lighting will be designed and built by department faculty and students. For more information, visit naz.edu/theatre-arts.

About Nazareth College

Nazareth is a coeducational, independent college on a suburban campus just outside Rochester, N.Y. The College challenges students to rise to their potential with a liberal arts and sciences foundation, professional programs, experiential learning, and an innovative curriculum that addresses the current and emerging needs of the world - ranging from economics to physical therapy to environmental science. With more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs, a vibrant arts center and a variety of athletics, clubs and organizations, Nazareth prepares students to be successful professionals and engaged citizens. For more information, visit naz.edu.