Quannapowitt Players’ "Rumors": A Laugh-Out-Loud Hysterical Comedy

What story are we going to tell now?

Quannapowitt Players invite audiences to “Rumors,” a play by Neil Simon. Four couples arrive for a dinner party, only to discover that the host has shot himself and the hostess is missing. Throughout this chaotic evening, the party fabricates a slew of absurd stories. 

Laughter, laughter, and more laughter. Quannapowitt Players’ production of “Rumors” is a hysterical, fast-paced comedy that will leave the audience in stitches. This was my second time seeing this play, and it’s just as entertaining the second time around. “Rumors” is a lesson: instead of making up lies, stick to making up the truth. 

A talented cast brings their A+ comedy game to the stage. They are expressive, have lightning timing, and deliver hysterical dialogue. Most importantly, their chemistry was a highlight. While their characters are often at odds, the actors created an infectious energy that made every scene more entertaining.

Chris and Ken Gorman (Lauren Casey and Bob Waters) begin the show as the first guests to discover the scene. In all the shenanigans, Ken loses his hearing, resulting in hilarious mishearing's. This is Casey’s second time in “Rumors,” originally playing Cassie Cooper. Casey is hilarious in both her expressions and snippy reactions as she runs from one room to the next. 

Next to arrive are Claire and Lenny Ganz (Susan Austin and Mark Nichols). The haughty couple cannot agree on one thing. While Austin has humorous sarcasm, Nichols delivers a well-acted monologue about the evening's events. He got well-deserved applause. 

Cookie and Ernie Cusack (Heather Price and Michael Govang) are the most eccentric couple. Price was funny in her character’s back spasms, crawling along the floor and bonking the kitchen door open with her head.

The final couple to arrive is Cassie and Glenn Cooper (Allison Rollings and Nathan Prosperi). From the moment they arrive, the rift between them stays. Cassie continuously sticks her nose in the air at everything, with Glenn figuring out how to help. 

The evening is followed by a police visit (dun, dun, duuun!). Damien LaCount and Anetta LaCount play Officer Welch and Officer Pudney, who try to make sense of the whirlwind events.

It always amazes me how Quannapowitt Players transforms its theater into new settings. Nick Gould creates a realistic living room set. Audiences can decide if they’re guests or happy to be watching the action from afar. Lighting, sound, costumes, and hair/makeup also add to the production, enhancing the comedic affair.  

Glenn Wakeley played Lenny Ganz in Georgetown Theatre Company’s production of “Rumors,” and now he is back in the directing chair. He said working on the production was fun. In contrast to the chaotic scenes, Ganz’s direction is smooth for the cast. He worked well with everyone, figuring out dynamics and little comedy moments.

Speaking of comedy, “Rumors” is hilariously chaotic. A LOT transpires throughout the show. From phones ringing off the hook to story after story, you have to witness the humor, snippy remarks, and floor crawling for yourselves. Characters become so exasperated that you can almost see steam shooting out of their ears.

Oh, the wonderful sound of laughter. Audiences laughed and laughed at the hilarious events. It’s a wonderful sound to hear cackling, snorting, and belly-laughter. My cheeks hurt so much from laughing. This is what theater is all about. In a world with so much darkness, theater brings light to our lives. 

The world could use a comedy right now, and “Rumors” is the show. Get your tickets and enjoy a night out at the theater. It plays at Quannapowitt Players until Saturday, Oct. 17.