Cartoon Humor: A Rumors Review

Rumors at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, CT Photo Shared by Stephen King

Who needs enemies when you have a group of friends like that of Charlie and Myra Brock? Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” directed by Rob Esposito, shakes up Shelton, Connecticut's Center Stage Theatre. This uproarious production delves into the chaos and intrigue of an anniversary dinner party that quickly spirals out of control. In a world where the lives of the upper-class are examined through a lens of comedy, "Rumors" successfully reveals the double-edged nature of close friendships, where your nearest allies can become your fiercest foes.

This production, set in what feels like the cozy living room of our favorite sitcoms, expertly explores the chaos that ensues when rumors and speculations fly, showcasing the consequences of relying on hearsay rather than the truth. The Brock living room becomes a hub of comedic energy, reminiscent of the popular television series Seinfeld, all set to the backdrop of Adele's "Rumor Has It." As four couples gradually arrive at the party, the stage is set for a hilarious and suspenseful evening, combining elements of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with the intrigue of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."

Maria Mongillo and Kyle Alston, portraying Chris and Ken Gorman, serve as our storytellers, shedding light on the hidden aspects of the narrative. Denise Piana and Stephen King, as Claire Ganz and Lenny Ganz, burst into the scene with their own tensions, adding fuel to the rumor mill's fire. Meanwhile, David Kaminski and Angela Mantero's Ernie and Cookie Cusack unwittingly contribute their brand of madness to the mix of comedy and drama. Finally, Scott Sheldon and Briana B. Dawson as Glenn and Cassie Cooper bring a storm of their own, dragging the other couples deeper into a whirlwind of marital discord and speculation. The relationships and entanglements of these characters promise an engaging and entertaining theatrical journey without revealing the story's key surprises.

The entire cast of Rumors excels in delivering well-timed comic relief, skillfully handling a barrage of allegations and infidelity that fuel a series of unexpected twists. Mangillo masterfully portrays a character who, despite her best intentions, often complicates matters. Alston provides a frenzied energy that inadvertently does more harm than good, adding to the chaos.

Piana embodies the quintessential rich and snarky housewife, her nose often buried in everyone else's business. Her performance is a testament to her ability to bring to life a character you'd love to hate. Kaminski and Mantero capture the essence of easily distracted individuals. Their quirks manifest in hilarious side moments that momentarily divert our attention from the central plot, offering comic relief before we're pulled back into the drama.

Sheldon exudes a satirical Gatsby-esque charm, only to be swiftly upended by Dawson. Dawson's portrayal is a delightful amalgamation of a 70s flapper and a modern, crystal-toting hipster. Her character's tantrums disrupt her husband's suave disposition, creating a captivating dynamic between the two.

Joey Abate, as Officer Welch, serves as the voice of reason amidst the chaos, setting himself up as a counterforce to the gang's shenanigans. Finally, King's provides a hilarious conclusion to the evening with his amusing rundown of speculations about the night's events, leaving the audience in joyful uproar. The cast's performances are rich in nuance and comedic timing, enhancing the play's overall impact.

The technical elements of "Rumors" significantly enhanced the production, immersing the audience in the world of the play. Ron Baldwin's set design, in collaboration with Kathy Fox's scenic design and the skilled construction crew led by Jim Welch, created a  rendition of the cozy familiarity of our favorite television families' living rooms that we’ve grown to love. The attention to detail in the set allowed the audience to feel as though they were right there in the Brock living room.

Lighting designer Justin Zenchuk and light board operator Tammy D'Auria deserve commendation for their well-timed lighting effects. Their work extended the scope of the story beyond the confines of the room, creating an atmosphere that mirrored the escalating chaos of the plot. The shifts in lighting were not only technically proficient but also artistically impactful, adding depth to the production's overall experience.

Katherine Wedlock's costumes played a pivotal role in defining each character's personality. The way she draped the cast in dinner-ready garments not only reflected the upper-class setting but also cleverly clung to each character's unique traits. The costumes were an integral part of the storytelling.

The combined efforts of these talented designers and technical crews brought Rumors to life with a set that oozed nostalgia, lighting that enhanced the story's drama, and costumes that helped define the characters. These elements came together seamlessly to create a visually compelling and immersive theatrical experience that complemented the stellar performances of the cast.

This production of Rumors, masterfully directed by Rob Esposito, achieves the elusive balance of feel-good entertainment while artfully conveying the very real implications of how damaging gossip can be. The narrative successfully tickles our senses with its humor and intrigue, and the exceptional cast surpasses our expectations in bringing these characters to life. Neil Simon's witty script is delivered with impeccable timing and nuance, making Rumors funnier than one might anticipate. Rumors is an absolute must-see.

Visit centerstageshelton.org for a glimpse into future shows.