Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story contained three misspelled names, which have since been corrected, and incorrect information about who was appearing on stage at ACT for the first time. The information has been updated as of April 4. – JMH
I know it is Rodeo time in San Angelo. A lot of folks will be out at the Coliseum Friday Night. But if you aren’t, you should go see the Neil Simon comedy Rumors at Angelo Civic Theatre.
I went last night to preview the show, and it has a delightful late 1980s sit-com feel.
Stoddard Owens and Kraig Schell co-directed this classic Neil Simon comedy. While not as well known as The Odd Couple and some of his other plays, it is Neil Simon’s only farce. It is also a great favorite.
Rumors Synopsis
A 10th Anniversary party is planned for Charlie, Deputy Mayor of New York City, and his wife Myra. But when Ken and Chris arrive they find no servants, no party, and they hear a gunshot. It looks as if Charlie has attempted suicide, and his wife Myra is missing. They call Charlie’s doctor, only to realize Charlie only shot his ear lobe and is passed out. As more friends start to arrive, Ken and Chris try to keep the secret from the others, and their attempts at deception go hilariously awry. All this while Charlie remains passed out upstairs and Myra is still missing. The police arrive and mayhem breaks out.
New and Amazing Actors on Stage
I have been around community theatre for more than a couple of decades. There are times when things can seem stale with the same old type of show and same group of actors you see in every show.
Not this time. ACT brings us a sea of fresh new faces, all of whom are talented actors, and seem tailor made for comedy.
Jakob Garner brings nervous energy to role of Ken and set me laughing from almost the start of the show. This is his first time in a lead role on the ACT stage.
Sarah Dunlap who plays his wife, Chris, is the perfect foil for Ken and has a commanding presence in any scene she is in.
Emily Lemons, in the role of Claire is also appearing for the first time at ACT. I am not sure if this is her first time acting, but she certainly has the comedy instincts of a veteran.
Another first timer is Raul Villanueva who plays Glenn. He too seems at home on the stage.
He plays opposite Chloe Casey as his wife,Cassie. The two are a great pairing. They go at each other constantly to great effect. The two of them remind me of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Together, they are comedy gold.
Also appearing on stage at ACT for the first time is Michael Cruse, and the show marks the straight-play debuts for both Delorah Kolbert and Melanie Dobbs.
The play takes place in the later 1980’s so the Directors went full 1980s on the set. Actors can sometimes get lost in a set that is too busy. This one perfectly sets the mood, accentuates the performances, and does not detract from them.
Performances to Watch
I always like to highlight one or two performances that really stood out to me. That is almost impossible to do with this cast. The actors that struck me the most were Jakob Garner, Sarah Dunlap, Emily Lemons, Raul Villanueva and Chloé Casey. I am sure you will be drawn to others as well. There are plenty of great performances to choose from.
As with any Neil Simon play, Rumors is one that will keep you on your toes. The wordplay is fun if you can catch it. It requires an active audience who will listen. This is not a show you can go to and sort of coast on autopilot like you sometimes can. The funniest lines and the best gags will be gone before you know it.
The actors also bring a lot of hilarity with their nonverbal acting without saying a word. As any actor can tell you, that is the purest and hardest form of acting.
Delorah Kolbert’s love affair with the furniture and the floor will have you in stitches and perennial ACT favorite Lance Turner uses the pillow to great effect. If you blink, you’ll miss it.
Comedy is all about confusion. Its key elements are missed timing, misunderstandings, and missed connections. This one is full of them all. You won’t be disappointed.
Cast
Ken – Jakob Garner
Chris – Sarah Dunlap
Lenny – Lance Turner
Claire – Emily Lemons
Ernie – Wade Sorrells
Cookie – Deborah Kolbert (Understudy – Deja Martinez)
Glenn – Raul Villanueva
Cassie – Chloé Casey (Understudy – Esther Whited)
Officer Welch – Michael Cruse
Officer Pudney – Melanie Dobbs
WHAT: Rumours by Neil Simon
WHERE: Angelo Civic Theatre, 1936 Sherwood Way, San Angelo
WHEN: April 4-6, 11-13
TIME: Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday Matinee is at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $22 adults, $20 for seniors and military. They can be purchased online or at the ACT Box Office. Box office hours are Friday and Saturday 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Noon – 2 p.m.
3 Comments
Sarah Dunlap*
DELORAH Kolbert*
Deja Martinez*
Emily Lemons has been around ACT and is always fun to be around, but also new to the stage and not mentioned is Michael Kruse. This is also Delorah and Melanie’s straight play debut’s at ACT. It has also been some time since we’ve seen Wade Sorrells on stage, and he plays the part amazingly!
Thank you for bringing these mistakes to our attention. The story has been corrected.
ITs a great article! We are all very glad you enjoyed it. And the misspellings are normal, even I made a misspelling in my comment. Michael Kruse is actually Cruse. Ehh, we are all human. No matter what though we are all appreciative of the time you took to come see the show and write an article and your honest review! Thank you so much.