Neil Simon’s “Rumors” is his only farce. By definition it is expected to be fast paced and frenetic. The Bay Street Players take up the challenge with great ensemble work, albeit it somewhat spastic on times.
Simon’s play is a parody on four wealthy, self-centered New York couples invited to the tenth wedding anniversary of their friend, Charlie Brock, Deputy Mayor of New York and wife Myra who, incidentally, are never seen. Charlie’s lawyer Ken (Rick Breese) and wife Chris (Courtney Bahr) find him semi-conscious in an upstairs bedroom with a gunshot through his ear lobe. They try to cover up the situation as Lenny (Baz Kaplan) and wife Claire (Arielle Benjamin) arrive. Rumors fly as friends Ernie and Cookie (Mark Milkman and Michelle Marschal) and lastly Glenn and Cassie (Nick O’Reilly and Sara Gray) join the melee.
The pace is set by Breese and there are plenty of good laughs. What needs improvement is sharper character definition to separate the roles particularly of the men.
Set construction is excellent with two levels substantial enough never to quiver thanks to the solid design of Tom Mangieri. Directing the show is Rick Paulin. There is no problem in hearing the actors who all have understandable diction.
Costuming is disappointing in that all the men did not wear tuxedos on opening night as mentioned in the script.
Trying to bring order out of chaos is Officers Welch (James Simpson) and Pudney (Chasteen Mullins) late in the second act. Simpson, again, reinforces the adage “There are no small parts…”
When it comes to local theater, there is no beating Neil Simon for good entertainment. “Rumors” at Bay Street is no exception.
A group of 30 Villagers from the 3 C’s Ohio Club already has their reservations in for the last Sunday matinee on February 22. Group discounts can buy tickets for as low as $15 versus the list price of $21. For other information, visit their website at www.baystreetplayers.org.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com
