Rumors!

Did you ever have a day when absolutely everything went wrong? Rumors! makes you realise that things could always get worse – and when they do, the result (from the outside looking in) is utter hilarity. Beneath the laugh-out-loud mayhem, lurks Neil Simon’s sophisticated wit and commentary on marriage, secrets and status. This was Simon’s only farce – and it’s a doozy.  Four quirky couples, a suicidal deputy mayor and a hair-trigger gun all come together at an ill-fated anniversary party, creating absurd havoc.

Under Clem Halpin’s sure and sage direction (which must have felt like herding cats), the OTT characters were full of energy and controlled chaos.  Clem also designed the elegant Art Deco set which was perfect as an affluent New York pad. Halpin has done many Neil Simon plays, whether acting or directing.

All the actors performed with sparkle and style. The standout was Peter Maden as Lenny whose extreme reactions and “star-turn” monologue made me laugh loudly. Jon Turley as Ken was hilarious when losing his hearing to the gun’s bang. Tracy Carroll played her ditsy, eccentric character to perfection. Elle Lyons was amusingly panicked as Chris, playing her part with great verve, though her odd accent travelled all over the world. Robert Quirk was excellent as the confused psychoanalyst (and every NYC party needs one of those!) Lilias Davie’s performance was so believable as Claire, I felt she was a real person. Sam McClurg was suitably slinky and entertaining, while showing her character’s needy underbelly as Cassie. Richard Alves had great fun as Glenn, the scandal-averse budding politician, placating his demanding wife with comic desperation. Gordon Tank was a natural as Officer Welch, with the able support of Dianne Lamb as Officer Putney.

Don’t miss Rumors! if you want an evening of non-stop clever repartee and laughter.

Judy Neumann

Images: Vargo Studios