The Sheboygan Theatre Company has announced open audition dates for the Neil Simon comedy, “Plaza Suite.” Auditions will take place Monday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 9 (cancelled because the show was cast on February 8th).

Helmed by guest director, Rick Ponzio, the three-act comedy takes place as the landmark New York City Plaza Hotel has been recently refurbished. Each act involves different sets of characters but all set in Suite 719 of the hotel.

The most serious of the vignettes involves a not-so-blissfully wedded couple revisiting their honeymoon suite in an attempt to bring the love back into their marriage. Another story involves a meeting between a former movie producer and an old flame, now a suburban housewife. While she has come for nothing more than a chat between old friends, he has other plans in mind. The funniest of the acts, filled with increasingly outrageous slapstick moments, tells of a young bride who on the day of her wedding locks herself in the suite’s bathroom and refuses to come out.

The first act will comprise of a 5 roles. The first is a supporting role of a Bellhop, mid 20’s, polite, friendly, helpful. The main couple for this act will be Karen and Sam Nash. Karen a pleasant, affable woman, is 48 years old and makes no bones about it. Sam Nash is 50, trim, impeccably neat, measured, efficient, economic, and in denial. Sam’s 28-year-old secretary, Jean McCormack, is trim, attractive, neat, bright, cheerful, and efficient. There is also a supporting role of the Waiter, middle-aged, polite, accommodating, who is also seen in Act II.

Second Act has the story of Jesse Kiplinger and Muriel Tate. Hollywood producer, Kiplinger, is 40, confident, self-assured and lonely. Muriel Tate is 30 something, very attractive, warm, seemingly naive, nervous and vulnerable.

Act III starts with Norma Hubley, a middle-aged, nervous, easily upset woman. Norma is the mother of a bride who has barricaded herself in the bathroom. Norma’s husband, Roy Hubley, the father, is middle aged, volatile, ridiculously explosive and stingy. The young couple are both supporting roles. Groom, Bordon Eisler is 20-30, down to earth, direct and steady. The bride, Mimsey Hubley is 20-30, confused, frightened and recalcitrant.

For the audition, candidates do not need to bring prepared material. Everyone will be given numerous opportunities to audition for a variety of roles. Direction may be given, but since people will be allowed more than one opportunity, there should be no need to feel anxious about “getting it right the first time.” The audition will involve reading selected scenes from the script.

Initial auditions will take place at Horace Mann Middle School, 2820 Union Ave., Sheboygan, on Monday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. If callbacks are required, they will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9.

Scripts are available for loan through the Theatre Company’s office in the Community Recreation Department. They may be picked up Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. but must be returned to the Community Recreation Department by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2010.

“Plaza Suite,” will run from March 19 to March 27, 2010, with rehearsals beginning Monday, February 15. Over an eight-week period there will be approximately 24 rehearsals, the majority of which will be Monday through Friday, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. There will be two weekend rehearsals March 13 and 14.

For further information, contact the theatre company office at 459-3779.