Written by Kelli Bowlden and directed by Jenna Hoffmann, the world premiere of HONEYMOON SUITE (WITH APOLOGIES TO NEIL SIMON) opens at the 905 Cole Theatre in Los Angeles. Despite certain obvious parallels to “Honeymoon Suite” and three of the late Simon’s plays, this is a completely different take on love, marriage, and honeymoons. Yes, there are three couples, and each of them will experience pivotal moments in their relationship that will affect their marital destiny. Otherwise, you’re in for a totally new production.
Pete Navis and Lindsay Dougherty – Photo by Kelsey Dougherty
SkyPilot Theatre Company is proud to present HONEYMOON SUITE (WITH APOLOGIES TO NEIL SIMON) in 2024. Founded in 2004, SkyPilot Theatre is an ensemble company of resident playwrights, actors, and directors producing provocative, compelling, and challenging new works for the Los Angeles theater-going audience.
Stevie Kincheloe, Jerry Campisi, and Alex Borja – Photo by Kelsey Dougherty
The time is the present, and the place is the honeymoon bedroom. The play follows the story of three very different honeymooners. The first tells the tale of Evy (Stevie Kinchenoe) and Oscar (Jerry Campisi), who have just eloped. Given that one of them is a soldier who is about to be deployed, they are forced to cram a honeymoon into a severely restricted amount of time. Let’s see how they manage to do that without killing each other.
Grace Neiswander, Lily Weak, Piper Major, Erin Astin, and Lindsey Gentile – Photo by Kelsey Dougherty
The second story is about Mike (Pete Navis) and his bride and second wife Katie (Lindsay Shelton). The problem? Mike can’t be certain about what happened during his bachelor party. Did he have carnal knowledge of another woman or didn’t he? And will that memory lapse (following a rather heavy intake of alcohol) have any effect on his honeymoon night?
HONEYMOON SUITE (WITH APOLOGIES TO NEIL SIMON) Graphics by Kelsey Dougherty
The third story is about Becca (Whitney Montgomery) and Jeff (Chris Periko). Why is Becca alone on her wedding night? Where is Jeff anyway? Everyone figures that Jeff got cold feet and jilted her at the altar. But did he? At the very least, Becca certainly has a devoted group of besties.
The ensemble cast is rounded out by Donnie (Alex Borja), Gina (Erin Astin), Tess (Lindsey Gentile), Meg (Grace Neiswander), Sarah (Piper Major), and Libby (Lilly Weak). Director Hoffmann clearly has her hands full with such a large (and often vocal) cast, each contributing his/her special something to the marital shenanigans. Although a bit long, the current HONEYMOON SUITE is fresh, funny, and cute.
The production crew – including Selena Price, Luc Rosenthal, Kelsey Dougherty, and Kitten – works hard to keep the show festive (after all, it is a honeymoon) and yet, at times, poignant. HONEYMOON SUITE will definitely appeal to everyone who’s hoping to (or has already) enjoyed a momentous and memorable honeymoon night.
HONEYMOON SUITE runs through August 25, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sundays. The SkyPilot Theatre Company performs at the 905 Cole Theatre, 905 Cole Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90038. Tickets are $40. For information and reservations, go online.
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