n 1968, the ‘8 Day War’ between Israel and Egypt had once again disrupted any hope of peace in the Middle East. Half-way around the world another ‘war’ of a sorts had erupted when Omar Sharif was cast to play opposite Barbra Streisand in the screen adaptation of “Funny Girl,” the musical that propelled Streisand into mega-stardom. There were protests outside the studio and battles inside as well. Everyone was asking the same question, ”How could they have cast a non-Jewish Egyptian in the role of Nick, Fanny Brice’s gambling and philandering Jewish husband.”
It is around these events that Gregg Ostrin has set his wonderful new play, “The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks.” Although the events in the play are strictly fiction, they are situated within the very real events previously mentioned. A female diplomat from Israel, Dalia (Olivia Zane Coen) and a male counterpart from Egypt, Rami (Ali Zahiri), agree to meet at the title-billed hotel to discuss the current state of affairs and hopefully find at least a temporary solution allowing the two countries to exist side-by-side in peace. At the behest of Ray Stark, the executive producer of “Funny Girl” (who also happened to be married to Fannie’s daughter), the meeting was arranged by a junior film executive, Shelly Ross (Josh Breslow) with the invaluable assist from his secretary, Freddie (Geri-Nikole Love). It is clear that much of the details and decisions were of her making and were spot-on. She clearly wants and deserves more than just being a secretary but in 1968 it was hard for an African-American woman to be given a position much higher than that in Hollywood. So Freddie keeps her eye on the prize and does her best at all times no matter what the task may be. Meanwhile, her boss, Shelly, continues to be a Jewish, neurotic bit-of-a-mess, worrying as much about losing his job if things don’t go well as he is about the actual results of the talks.
Ali Zahiri and Olivia Coen star in CVRep’s The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks, photo by David A. Lee. 
CVRep’s The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks-Ali Zahiri, Josh Breslow, Olivia Coen. by David A. Lee 
The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks – Josh Breslow & Geri-Nikole Love by David A. Lee 
CVRep -The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks- Olivia Coen,Josh Breslow,Geri-Nikole Love, Ali Zahiri. by David A. Lee 
CVRep’s The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks – cast seated and set by David A. Lee
Over the course of the weekend, each side of the diplomatic table moves from being blindly hated by the other to a point of mutually experienced romantic attraction. The similarities between the relationship between these two diplomats from different worlds and that of the movie’s stars, can’t help but be noticed. In a wonderfully-staged montage of moments between Dalia and Rami, as they read through the “Funny Girl” script, the recognition of these parallels becomes a ‘light bulb’ moment for each of them. I could say more, but I will leave the pleasure of the play’s resolution to enjoy when you see it live.
Director Randy Brenner does a great job keeping the play buoyant and moving at a brisk pace. He brings out great performances from his four- member cast. Each one has their moments of being the focus of attention, but they work so well together they create a truly ensemble piece.
Once again, the technical team has done an awesome job. Jimmy Cuomo’s set design of a beautifully appointed suite in the upscale Beverly Hills hotel is exquisite. It is enhanced by Moira Wilke’s perfectly crafted lighting and the superb sound design by Joshua Adams.
It is hard to find new works of this caliber, so kudos to Adam Karsten, CVRep’s Artistic Director, for presenting the World Premiere of this highly-entertaining yet thought-provoking play about loyalties, self-honesty and beliefs.
“The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks” is being presented by CVRep and it plays through June 1, 2025. For tickets and further information, visit their website at CVRep.org.