Theater Review: 'Neil Simon's Rumors' by Little Theatre of Manchester

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall is celebrating 35 years by bringing “Neil Simon’s Rumors” back to their stage. The last time this show was seen on this stage was in 201. The current version of this satirical farce is effectively directed by Michael Ricciardone and performances will continue at the historic Cheney Hall through Feb. 22.

Ricciardone notes that “since its Broadway premiere in 1988, ‘Rumors’ has become a staple in theaters across America.” The work of the legendary playwright is still a treat years later–” for its ingenious dialogue, captivating characters, and witty plotline.” The director ensures that the pace is fast, the timing spot on, and the characters drawn with broad strokes.

Neil Simon sets this social satire of New York’s upper class on the 10th wedding anniversary party of Charley and Myra Brock at their home in Sneden’s Landing, some 45 minutes outside NYC. Charley Brock serves as the deputy mayor. The time is the present.

Kathleen Narowski appears first on the stage in the role of the lawyer Chris Gorman, fully decked out in forest green formalwear. Narowski has a slew of credits, including “The Game’s Afoot,” “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Murder Inn” with LTM. South Dakota native Mitch Hess (“Pride & Prejudice”) returns to the LTM stage to take on the role of her husband Ken Gorman.

In her first LTM production, Amanda Friedman shines in the role of Claire Ganz, in a sparkly red dress and big hair. Friedman draws out all of the physical comedy in her role as well as showing priceless facial expressions in reaction to the antics of the other characters. Friedman’s varied credits, all of them memorable, include “Disaster!,” “BUG,” “Water by the Spoonful,” and “Dogfight.”

Actor/director Bobby Schultz (last seen in “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” at LTM) is a farcical delight in the role of Claire’s husband Lenny Ganz. The owner of a new BMW who suffers whiplash from a car accident gets to deliver many funny lines and a closing monologue that usually earns applause and Schultz nails it.

Debbie Polikaitis uses the perfect voice to bring her ditzy character Cookie Cusack to life. Dressed in a black and gold fussy evening dress, Polikaitis gives a simply adorable performance. The actress was last seen in Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” and writes “I hope you have as much fun watching [the show] as we do performing it and WE are having fun!”

Jim Hyland returns to LTM to play Cookie’s husband Ernie, a psychologist in a white dinner jacket. Hyland has appeared in “All’s Well…” and “Othello” with Capital Classics and “The Crucible” and “The Tempest” at Hole in the Wall Theatre.

The last couple to arrive are played well by Jolyon Alexander (in his LTM debut) as Glenn Cooper, a young man who is running for state senate, and Natallia Lopez (“Native Gardens”) as his young wife who believes in the power of crystals.

In the final scene, Dawn Maselli plays the investigating Officer Welch and Christian Tarr returns to LTM for the first time since the 2016 production of “Oklahoma” to play Officer Pudney.

The set designed by Ricciardone perfectly implies two levels and has a stunning height in the well-appointed living room with lit recessed spaces in the walls. It has a very modern look but retains the elements necessary to make the entrances and exits of the farce work well.

The high-end costumes for the anniversary party are designed by Equity actor Bobby Earl Henry and flatter all of the actors. Props are designed by Linda Ferreira (who is taking part in her 50th production with LTM) and Katryna Pierce. Jon-Paul LaRocco designed the effective lighting, and Chris Corrales was in charge of the design of the sound effects. Jen Rankin served as the technical director and stage manager. Kudos to the large group of volunteers that worked on set construction and signage, with Jack Stetson, the set construction lead, who marks “Rumors” as his 100th set.

David Garnes, LTM Dramaturg and Historian, notes that the playwright is no stranger to Cheney Hall. “Over the years, we’ve presented 19 Neil Simon productions, including tonight’s ‘Rumors.’ That’s more than any other playwright.” Garnes also defines the genre of farce: “Simply stated, something goes wrong in a farce, and the situation only gets worse–all to comic effect.”

The director reminds us that “Rumors” will stand the test of time, “as its relevance and comedic charm are simply timeless.” He invites audiences to “enjoy the outlandish plot of misfortune, chaos, and farcical gold!” I have reviewed this show more times than I can count and I still laughed at all of the absurdity.

“Rumors” is presented in two zany acts with one 15-minute intermission. Only six more performances with VERY LIMITED SEATING! Sat, Feb 14 @ 7:30 pm, Fri, Feb 20 @ 7:30 pm, Sat, Feb 21 @7:30 pm (Sunday, Feb 15th & 22nd are SOLD OUT. However, you are encouraged to contact the box office to be put on a wait list.)
Visit cheneyhall.org or call 860-647-9824

Photos by Chris Huestis at PhotoSynthesis