Neil Simon’s “Rumors” opens at USU Eastern Blackbox Theatre

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If you like “Barefoot in the Park” and “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon, you will definitely like USU Eastern’s production of his award-winning farce “Rumors” set to open the weekends of April 14-16 and 21-23 in the Peterson Blackbox Theater with curtain time at 7:30 p.m.
“Rumors” premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, Calif., on Sept. 22, 1988, and moved to New York City’s Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on Nov. 17, 1988, then
transferred to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, closing after 535 performances and eight previews.
“I have wanted to direct this show since coming to CEU nearly 16 years ago,” director
Corey Ewan said. It is a laugh-out-loud farce featuring theatrical comic staples such as
misunderstandings, mistaken identity, slapstick, puns, etc. “Even though I have read this [play] many times, I still laugh at how Simon has created such a wonderful world of absurdity.”
Simon grew up in New York and started his career writing scripts for radio and television with Mel Brooks, Woody Allen and Carl Reiner. His first claim to fame was “Come Blow Your Horn” followed by “Barefoot in the Park.” “The Odd Couple earned Simon his first Tony Award and adapted into a successful movie and TV comedy.
He has drawn extensively on his life and upbringing in his theatrical writing with many of his works taking place in the working-class neighborhoods of New York City. Besides his numerous Tony Awards, his plays have won a Pulitzer Prize, numerous Emmys and nominated for Academy Awards.
In his biography, Simon said, writing “Rumors’ was a process for me, and I thought it would be really good just to get into a comedy.”
“Rumors” tells of four couples at the home of the deputy mayor of New York City. They are gathered to celebrate their 10th anniversary. However, the party never really gets started as the first couple to arrive discovers that the host has shot himself in the head (it’s only a flesh wound) and his wife is missing. In order to protect their friend’s political and social position, they try to cover up the situation.
As each guest arrives, the white lies get progressively bigger and more outrageous and no
one can remember what has been said, who has been told what and about whom. And then
there is the mysterious phone call from someone who sounds a lot like Meryl Streep.
Hilarity abounds as the couples and the situation gets more crazed. It is a fun-filled, high energy
romp intended solely to entertain, Ewan said.
Ewan’s “Rumors” cast includes many new faces and some not seen in such high profile roles. Graduates of Stansbury High School: Chloe Clarke plays Chris Gorman, a publishing attorney; and Braydon Summers plays CPA Lenny Ganz; while Carbon High School graduate, Josh DeMie plays Ken Gorman, the host’s personal attorney.
Desert Hills High School graduate, Cheryl-Lynn Uiva’a plays Lenny’s wife, Clair Ganz; with Brighton High School graduate, Adam Whitbeck and Granger High School graduate,
Jennifer Thomas, plays Ernie and Cookie Cusack, a psychiatrist and cooking show host.
Panguitch High School graduate, Donnie Ray Owens (Corwin, Owens, Corwin) and Las Vegas, Nev., native, Jordan Goyeau plays state-senate hopeful Glenn Cooper and his crystal loving wife, Cassie.
Rounding out the cast include Carbon County native Adam Bone and Jenny Taylor playing police officers Welch and Pudney. Brent Innes is the set designer and technical director for the production. Ewan said he has discontinued offering matinees to the community due to the poor attendance.
“If you want to forget the horror of finals week for students or the lack of spring weather,
come and spend some time with us in the Peterson Theatre,” Ewan said. “We promise you’ll
laugh a lot.”