'Rumors' opens at HCPAC
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title and Holt Wrecker)
By Michael V. Hannigan
You ever have one of those days?
You know the kind, where everything goes sideways and you pray nobody notices just how fast you’re scrambling?
That’s the idea fueling Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” now on stage at the Henderson County Performing Arts Center. This show is a fun romp through barely controlled chaos; a tip of the cap toward the screwball comedies of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
The story centers on four couples arriving at a dinner party that has gone very wrong. The host is injured. His wife is missing. There’s a car crash, blood, failing marriages, and lots of alcohol. Shots are fired. No one agrees on what happened.
And that’s before the police arrive.
This is very much an ensemble piece, with no single character stealing the show. Instead, the charm comes from how the actors work together. Everyone gets a chance to stand out and everyone gets to play the foil for somebody else. The chemistry -- whether good or intentionally bad -- is what matters and the cast nails it.
Director Laken Jenkins deserves real credit for the flow of the show. Screwball comedy is about traffic, spacing, and timing, and this is a busy script, particularly in the first act. Entrances and exits are clean. The stage never feels crowded without purpose, which becomes increasingly important as the confusion mounts.
“Rumors” won’t leave you discussing philosophy on the drive home. Instead you’ll be laughing, remember the time Uncle Mike brought two dates to Christmas dinner or whatever passes as ridiculous family history for you.
And really, who doesn’t need a laugh like that right now?
Performances are scheduled for Jan. 29–31 and Feb. 5–7 at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online.
The cast includes:
Patrick Wauschek as Ken Gorman
Kris Midthun as Chris Gorman
Chris Clark as Lenny Ganz
Taegan Allen as Claire Ganz
Ethan Lodato as Ernie Cusack
Kristen Stewart as Cookie Cusack
Cisco Flores as Glenn Cooper
Kaitlyn Martin as Cassie Cooper
Chet Healey as Officer Welch
Ella Agold as Officer Pudney
The production is under the direction of HCPAC alum Laken Jenkins. Assisting Laken in this production is Assistant Director Joclyn Ewers and Stage Manager Renotta Mayo.