BROOKFIELD — Closing out the impressive Brookfield Theater for the Arts 2018 season is a fetching bit of farce. Michael McKeever’s Suite Surrender, well directed by Marilyn Olsen, opened last Friday to a fully satisfied audience.

Dueling divas Claudia McFadden (played by Deborah Carlson) and Athena Sinclair (Suzanne Powers) find themselves in close quarters during the run up to a USO-type performance during World War II. Through some booking mishap, they are sharing a suite at the very fancy Palm Beach Royale Hotel, despite their renowned resentment of each other.

The mayhem ensues. Bellhops Francis (Sam Bass) and Otis (Rigby Wilkins) are constantly caught in the crosshairs of hotel manager Bernard Dunlap (John Bachelder) as he struggles to keep his hotel running and the two pampered performers from killing each other prior to their curtain.

Each of the sopranos has a long-suffering assistant in tow. Pippet, played by Brian DeToma, serves at the pleasure of Ms McFadden and is tasked with chores ranging from martini mixing to dog “walkies.” Ashley Brundage plays Murphy, the busy-as-a-bee aide to Ms Sinclair’s camp. Both are in on the ruse and desperately trying to keep these two apart.

Meanwhile, gossip columnist Dora Del Rio (Monica M. O’Brien) is hot on the trail for a story of epic proportions, except she cannot seem to keep herself out of harm’s way.

The evening’s hostess is the giddy and enthusiastic Mrs Osgood (Elayne Mordoff), who is oblivious to the chaos and thrilled with the military turnout for the performance she has planned.

This is a true ensemble piece, filled with a wonderful cast who all appear to truly enjoy their portrayals of the characters in this broad comedy. High energy physical comedy is required, and this group delivers it.

As the overburdened hotel manager, Mr Bachelder is a kinetic bundle of energy. Every fiber of his being is completely dialed into his performance.

Playing his nemesis, Mrs Osgood, who gleefully piles on problems, Elayne Mordoff is a hoot. A scene stealer, her timing and inflections are perfection.

Central to the action, the two divas played by Deborah Carlson and Stephanie Powers are delightful as the conceited, demanding, and self-absorbed stars they portray.

Brian DeToma and Ashley Brundage are expressive and energetic as they put their substantial comedic skills to work. Bellhops Sam Bass and Rigby Wilkens are adorable and sincere as they fumble their way around the messy circumstances.

In the role of 1945-style paparazzi, Monica M. O’Brien’s character is appropriately obnoxious and accident prone. She does a fabulous job with this part.

Tying this production together, costume designer Lizzie Varda demonstrated attention to detail and authenticity in her designs, as did Andy Okell with his set design of the posh interior of the crowded suite.

Opening night audience members were effusive about the fun that was had at The Brookfield Theater for the Arts. Do head out for a visit to The Palm Beach Royale for a rollicking good time.

Performances continue two more weekends, through November 17, with curtain Friday and Saturday nights at 8, and one remaining matinee, on Sunday, November 11, at 2 pm.

Call 203-775-0023 or visit brookfieldtheatre.org for ticket details, directions to the theater, and other information.