Play review: “Rumours”

The Cayman Drama Society’s latest production, entitled “Rumors”, is a surefire laugh or two, ten or fifty!  I was unfamiliar with the play written by Neil Simon prior to attending so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  All I knew was the basic plot:  several affluent couples gather in celebration of their hosts’ tenth anniversary. However, they soon discover there are no servants, the hostess is missing and the host – the deputy mayor of New York – has shot himself in the … earlobe?

In classic terms, this play is considered a farce. I would call it frantic! The play opens with Ken & Chris Gorman (played brilliantly by Michael McLaughlin & Kim Plude) already in the midst of the bizarre frenzy. Through a series of manic arguments and a hilarious phone conversation with the doctor, we quickly learn what has happened but no one, not even the characters themselves, actually know how or why it happened since the host has taken valium and passed out and the hostess is missing.

As guests arrive in couples one after another, we are introduced to a cross-section of kooky and superficial elitists, but it’s the contrast between their personas and the situation going on that really is the recipe for fun in this play. 

Teri Lynne Bilewitch plays Claire Ganz with the quintessential ditzy snobbery of an NYC elite wife and I would be remiss if I did not mention her fabulous plumb gown. Her comic delivery and timing are spot on, perhaps only matched by her husband’s (played by Adam Cockerill) particularly in terms of his magnificent ability to deliver long streams of dialogue both quickly and perfectly.  The two play-off each other extremely well, particularly in their “rumors” scene, where they speculate on the status of their hosts’ relationship.  When they finally learn thetruth from Ken & Chris, the four decide it’s imperative to protect their hosts’ stature from the impending arrival of more guests. 

Next to arrive are Ernie & Cookie Cusack, played by Rick Glass & Angela Harris.  Rick is a group psychologist and Cookie has a TV cooking show.  Together they are pure perfection as the slightly bewildered if not gullible “older” couple”.  When they are tricked into taking on all the food preparation for the party, they disappear into the kitchen and provide hilarious snippets of comic delight as the remaining guests fight their mini battles of speculation and cover-up. 

Last to arrive are Glen & Cassie Cooper, played by stage newcomer Christopher Sherman & veteran Abby Le Cornu.  Abby instantly commands audience attention when she enters the stage sporting a stunning red gown. However, her insecurity and aggression towards her husband quickly overshadow her beauty and we are drawn into their ongoing heated arguments.  I personally could not stop laughing when Abby pulled out her quartz crystal, which she rubs sexily on her neck for calming relief while her embarrassed husband tries to cover her up.

The ridiculous situations presented with each set of characters introduced build upon each other like your favorite Seinfeld episode.  By the time police finally enter the picture, not only do all the guests know the truth but several other mini crises of hilarity are already in full swing, like Ken losing his hearing and Cassie losing her crystal.  And I have no doubt that Cockerill’s performance as the “host” at the end will “wow” the audience every single time.

“Rumors” is good fun and a great laugh.  The director, Paul Njoka (who also plays Officer Walsh), did a fantastic job assembling the perfect cast with each actor truly embodying the nature of their kooky character.  The lines are fast, due to the frantic nature of the situation, but both projection and annunciation are woven into the dialogue so well so you won’t miss one hilarious word. 

“Rumors” runs Fridays to Sundays starting tonight at the Prospect Playhouse next to Red Bay Primary, with closing night Sunday, September 30th.  Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30pm and Sunday shows start at 5pm.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students under 17 and can be purchased in advance by calling 949-5054. 

www.cds.ky