Georgetown Theatre Workshop Delivers Big Laughs with 'Rumors'

What’s going to happen if I spread a rumor?

Georgetown Theatre Workshop presents Neil Simon's 1980s play Rumors. When four couples show up for a dinner party, they discover the host has shot himself and the hostess is missing. When law officials become involved, the party fabricates absurd stories to conceal the truth—if they even know what it is.

Rumors are going around that Georgetown Theatre Workshop’s Rumors is a hilarious performance. The rumors are true. Jovial laughter bounced off Byfield Community Arts Center’s walls in response to the hilarious performance. The play teaches you that the truth is much easier than lying.

A talented ensemble of ten actors brings Rumors to life with impeccable comedic timing and dynamic performances. Each performer dove into their character's eccentric personalities and relationships. They all deserve as much praise for their impeccable comedic talents.

Chris and Ken Gorman (Jaime Hennessy and Michael Cherone) start the show as the first guests to arrive at the party. Already they’re running about, trying to figure out what’s happened. Due to an incident, Ken’s bad hearing misinterprets the simplest dialogue.

Next to arrive are Claire and Lenny Ganz, played splendidly by Annie J. Hochheiser and Glenn Wakely. Nobody is ever not bickering in this show. A round of applause goes to Wakely’s memorization of a rambling-the-truth monologue.

Ernie and Cookie Cusack (Leonard Chasse and Becki Green) bring their own brand of humor as the eccentric couple. Green is hysterical as Cookie, creating a funny voice and giving her character an exuberant personality. Cookie’s back spasms never come at the right moment.

The rift between Glenn and Cassie Cooper (Philip Curcuru and Lauren Casey) is evident the moment they arrive. The cast’s chemistry is the highlight of the show. Not always together onstage, each person has a lot to say about the other in their absence.

John Leonard and Christine Cloonan are excellent as Officer Welch and Officer Pudney, who enter the madhouse. You can see their minds spiraling as everyone talks over each other, slipping up, or misinterpreting the situation.

I cannot commend the cast’s comedic talents enough. Comedy is a tough venture to nail, but the cast tackled it with ease. I will say it again and again, because it’s the show’s driving force; their comedic talents are something to admire.

Actors go above and beyond, with comical line deliveries, silly voices, or physical comedy. They run around everywhere, disappearing behind doors and getting tangled up in the overly long phone cord. They all end up floundering on the floor at one point.

Theater can never go on without helpful tech hands who built a full-scale New York City apartment set onstage. It’s fully furnished with a couch, a stairway leading to bedrooms, and paintings on the walls. Special mentions go to lighting, sound, and props. Makeup, hair, and costume arrangements take audiences back to the 80s.

Angela Courtney Rossi has a passion for comedy, and it shines in every scene of her direction. She collaborated with her cast and listened to ideas to enhance their show. Rossi ensures that each actor has their moment, while maintaining the ensemble’s cohesion.

What is the moral of Rumors? Telling lies is far worse. While the consequences may seem daunting, a lie only worsens the situation.

Laughter is the best medicine, and we could all use one right now. Audiences belted out laughing in several moments. The chuckles remained past jokes! Rumors plays at the Byfield Community Arts Center until May 18. Enjoy a day out with friends and family, have a laugh, and enjoy the show.