Gadsden, AL – The Gadsden State Community College Theatre Program will present Rumors, a farcical comedy by Neil Simon, beginning February 26 in the Inzer Hall Black Box Theatre on the Wallace Drive Campus.
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. from February 26–28 and March 5–7. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for each show. Tickets are $8 for the public and $5 for students and Gadsden State employees.
First produced in 1988, Rumors follows four couples attending a dinner party celebrating the tenth wedding anniversary of New York City’s Deputy Mayor, Charlie Brock, at his townhouse in Sneden’s Landing. When Charlie is discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his wife, Myra, is missing, the evening takes an unexpected turn. Although Charlie’s injury is only a flesh wound, the guests create increasingly elaborate stories in an effort to avoid scandal before police arrive.
The first guests to arrive—lawyer Ken Gorman and his wife, Chris—attempt to piece together what has happened before the other couples arrive. As more guests enter, confusion and miscommunication escalate, leading to a series of misunderstandings that drive the comedy forward.
Known for its rapid dialogue and situational humor, Rumors is considered one of Simon’s well-known comedic works. Director Joe Fuselli said the production holds personal significance.
“This is a show I had the privilege of performing in many years ago while I was in school, and it remains one of my greatest memories as a theatre student,” Fuselli said. “I hope our audiences and these actors enjoy it as much as I did.”
The cast includes:
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Joseph Parris as Ken Gorman
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Carolyn Humphrey as Chris Gorman
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Ian Johnson as Lenny Ganz
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Addie Jenkins as Claire Ganz
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Phoenix Rich as Ernie Cusack
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Afton Yarnell as Cookie Cusack
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Darius Spears as Glenn Cooper
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Diana Alhegazen as Cassie Cooper
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Isaac Hardy as Officer Welch
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Daelynn Caldwell as Officer Pudney/Myra
Audience members can follow the Division of Fine Arts – Gadsden State on Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Additional information about Gadsden State’s Fine Arts programs is available at gadsdenstate.edu/fine-arts.
