ACT I presents “Plaza Suite” Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m.

“Plaza Suite,” a comedy by Neil Simon, is composed of three acts, each involving different characters but all set in Suite 719 of New York City's Plaza Hotel. The first act, Visitor From Mamaroneck, introduces the audience to the unhappily wedded couple, Sam and Karen Nash (played by David Medin and DeEtta Andersen),who are revisiting their honeymoon suite in an attempt by Karen to bring the love back into their marriage. This act also features actors Jonah and Ashley Lorsung.

The second act, Visitor from Hollywood, involves a meeting between movie producer Jesse Kiplinger (Alex Vasquez) and his old flame, suburban housewife Muriel Tate April Seitz).

Act Three, Visitor from Forest Hills, revolves around married couple Roy and Norma Hubley (Melody Spence and Joel Weber) on their daughter Mimsey's (Ashley Lorsung) wedding day.

Directed by Halane Cummings of Urbana, this ACT I show brings several new faces to the Palace stage, including a few old favorites!  Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online at www.act1.org.

ARTHUR

Opening for a short run on Sunday, May 15 through Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m., and Monday, May 16 at 2 p.m. is “Arthur,” rated PG-13. 

This remake of the 1981 classic starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli features Russell Brand, Greta Gerwig, Jennifer Garner, Helen Mirren and Nick Nolte.

Alcoholic zillionaire Arthur Bach (Brand) is a man who wants to party with the world and pick up the check.  His mother wants him to marry one woman (Garner), but he falls in love with another (Gerwig).  His devoted nanny (Mirren) cleans up the mess.

THE SAD CAFÉ

On Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m. the Palace is pleased to present an advance screening of the independent film, “The Sad Café.” 

“The Sad Café” was directed by Bennie Wooodell (previously a film student at Columbia College in Chicago,) and filmed in the summer and fall of 2010 in Chrystal Lake and Chicago, Illinois, and Racine, Wisconsin. 

“The Sad Café” is the story of Jack (Brad Fowler), a gun for hire who desires more out of life. His past yields great caution to bringing others close to him. Rose (Katie Lanigan) works at a café run by her father. She feels left behind in the world and longs to find her one and only. Every day Jack comes into her café. Every day she has his tea waiting for him. Every day they are silent with each other until one day, thanks to Jack’s partner Steve (John Laflamboy), he decides he can’t continue living this way. Jack surprises Rose with flowers and the romance begins, leading Jack to the decision of a lifetime. What Jack is not prepared for is the alteration of not only his life, but the life of Rose as well. 

At this time, there is no established rating for this film, however, parents should use caution in purchasing tickets for young children.  Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.

Comedian and actor Brad Fowler, of Cedar Rapids contacted us about six weeks ago to offer this unique opportunity.  “The Sad Café” will also present an advance showing in Chicago on May 21, but Brad really wanted an opportunity for his friends and family in Iowa to see his work. 

Tickets for this special screening are $8 and may be purchased online at www.vintonpalace.org, or at the theatre.

“The Sad Café is at its core a love story, but is done the only way I've known romance to be...tragic in all aspects.” - Bennie Woodell