'Rumors' at the Clockwork Repertory Theatre: My Review

I had never been to the Clockwork Repertory Theatre in Oakville. Described as a "3/4 round" space with stadium-type seating, it was a unique arrangement that allowed everyone to have an excellent view of the ground level stage. It gave a new meaning to an intimate theatre. Their website warned that reservations for Saturday evening performances were strongly recommended and upon arrival I found that, in fact, the performance was sold out. I decided to sit stand-by and thanks to the gracious Harold J. Pantely and his wife, I was able to snag the only available seat. Since I never mentioned that I was a reviewer wannabe, I can only assume that they treat all patrons as warmly.

"Considered to be Neil Simon's funniest and most successful comedy, RUMORS concerns a group of friends gathering at the home of the Deputy Mayor of New York to celebrate his tenth wedding anniversary. However, when the first guests arrive, they find the Mayor has been shot (just a flesh wound) and his wife, as well as all the domestic help, are missing. As each new couple arrives, they enter into a plan to keep things out of the headlines, and the RUMORS start to fly. One by one, they pile up until one of the guests must pose as the Mayor and explain, to the police, 'just what the hell is going on here tonight!' What ensues is the funniest ending to a play ever devised!"

This is a very well-written two act that kept us laughing throughout. No one left at intermission, as I had recently seen at another theatre. There was a little foul language, and lots of physical comedy and just enough twists and turns in the plot. Directed and designed by Mr. Pantely, this cast worked together to make us laugh. The beautiful costumes by Mrs. Pantely were from The Wedding Embassy and fit the actors perfectly and John Fabiani lit them to perfection.

The cast includes ten wonderful actors. The lovely Jill Bonnett plays Chris Gorman with great comic timing. Her husband Ken is played by Michael Reilly, who used some wonderful physical comedy. Elizabeth K. Fricke plays Claire Ganz with some wonderful facial expressions. Her husband Len is played by powerhouse Bill Wilson, apparently an audience favorite and self-described "wiseacre", who reminded me of Mickey Rooney. Elaine Taylor plays Cookie; she is a great character actress who is a master of physical comedy. Her husband Ernie is played by Timothy Cleary ) who is appearing in his 20th production at the Clockwork. Another Phoenix face was Mike Ritts () who plays Glenn, the husband of Cassie who is played by the sultry Lorinda Church. New York police officers are played by Derek Bonnett and Christine Shields.

Next up in the 34th season at Clockworth Rep is Looking by Norman Foster.

"Val is a nurse. Andy is in the storage business, Nina is a cop and Matt hosts a radio show. They're single, middle-aged and good looking. Val agrees to meet Andy after answering his personals ad and Nina and Matt are coaxed into joining their friends for support. What follows is hilarious, touching and so very true to life as each person struggles to untangle the knot they seem to be tied into." 

Apr. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, May 4-5 & 12
Tickets are $18.
The Clockwork is located at 133 Main Street Oakville and the phone is 850-274-7247. Call to make a reservation...trust me.