“Plaza Suite” Puts High-Society Secrets on Comic Display—at Hillbarn
Will Springhorn Jr. (Roy), Laura Jane Young (Norma). Photo: T. Martin.
Neil Simon Dives into Love & War in Lovers’ Quarrels
by Joanne Engelhardt
It’s rare—precedent-setting, actually—that an inanimate object is the main attraction of a play. Yet Suite 719 in New York City’s posh Plaza Hotel is the central character of Neil Simon’s comedy “Plaza Suite.” Each act of this three-act play offers an intimate glimpse into high society that most of us will never see.
Simon’s rich comedy underscores that whether rich or poor, we all face interpersonal problems and fleeting moments of happiness.
With a small supporting cast, “Plaza Suite’s” two principal performers, Laura Jane Young and Will Springhorn Jr., artfully portray different characters in each act. These characters are so wrapped up in their frivolous lives that they seem unaware of what is happening in the Vietnam War, the anti-war protests, and the shocking assassination of 1968.
Scenic designer Eric Olson’s set epitomizes luxury. The walls are painted a dreamy cream, gold, and white, channeling the taste of wealthy Plaza Hotel patrons. An elegant upholstered mahogany couch and matching chairs point up the luxury. The upheavals of ‘68, a year of rebellions, seem far away.
Will Springhorn Jr. (Sam), Laura Jane Young (Karen)
In the first act, Young as Karen, a suburban housewife, has booked this suite for her wedding anniversary, hoping to rekindle the romance she and her husband Sam (Springhorn) once shared. But Sam, overworked and agitated, arrives with a briefcase full of contracts and little time for Karen. Soon, his young associate Jean (pert Jessie Kirkwood) delivers more paperwork, and it’s clear an affair may be brewing. Karen longs for intimacy, while Sam is consumed with work. Their side by side worlds never touch.
The act drags a bit as the two trade barbs, but Simon’s point is clear: Wealth and privilege do not guarantee love or happiness.
Act two features an intimate tête-à-tête between two former high school sweethearts. As Jessie, Springhorn is a sleazy Hollywood producer, while Young’s Muriel gushes and flirts, torn between picking up her children or reliving old romantic sparks. They laugh at how much their lives have changed since school, seemingly unbothered by the consequences of their flirtation. Both enjoy lives of privilege and ignore any potential fallout.
Laura Jane Young (Muriel), Will Springhorn Jr. (Jessie)
Act three finds Young as Norma and Springhorn as Roy playing the anxious parents of bride-to-be Mimsy (Kirkwood), who locks herself in the bathroom moments before her wedding. Frantic, Roy even tries to climb a ledge to reach her. He reminds Mimsy of the lavish costs she demanded for this wedding—location, parties, gown—and begs her to come out. Cold feet? Perhaps. But when the groom arrives, things take a sudden turn.
Costume designer Lisa Claybaugh creates colorful outfits that pop with 60’s style. Springhorn’s first-act business suit looks spot-on, though his Act Two wig is ill-fitting, and Mimsy’s bridal gown should be full length for a Plaza wedding.
In Suite 719, the nucleus of “Plaza Suite” replies to the turbulent backdrop of the 60s. Although the Vietnam War, Civil Rights marches, and political assassinations recede, the tensions and insecurity of the War at Home steps forward with a comic and knowing smile. Enjoy the whipped cream and the cherry on top.
Laura Jane Young
“Plaza Suite” written by Neil Simon, directed by Marissa Keltie, stage managed by Laura Hicks, sound by Jeff Mockus, lighting by Pamela Gray, costumes by Lisa Claybaugh, at Hillbarn Theater, Foster City, California.
Info: www.hillbarntheatre.org to Sept. 14, 2025.
Cast: Darrien Cabreana, Jessie Kirkwood, Will Livingston, Will Springhorn Jr., Mauricio Suarez, and Laura Jane Young.