By Allie Baker
Features Editor
Hilarity, excitement, and frenzied bewilderment will unfold on the stage as the Neshaminy High School Drama Department presents "Rumors," a comedy by Neil Simon, on April 29, 30 and May 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
"Rumors" is a tale about the comical attempt to cover-up the astonishing events that unfold at an anniversary party for the Deputy Mayor of New York and his wife.
The first couple to arrive at the party, high-society lawyers Ken (Matt Bartolacci) and Chris (Elyce Rickerl), are shocked to find that the servants and hostess have mysteriously disappeared while the host has shot himself in the earlobe.
Panic and confusion ensue, as Ken and Chris enlist the hlep of the dueling couple, Lenny (Zachary Clause) and Claire (Lauren Sperry).
To avoid a scandal, they attempt to hide the truth from the other couples, Ernie (Aaron Ross) and Cookie (Katie Walsh), and Glenn (Joe Hannon) and Cassie (Janna Emig), and evade the questioning detective (Christa Meenan and Drew Magathan).
The result is a web a lies and rumors that keep the characters baffled and the audience guesssing.
"The cast is really witty and they do a great job with the fast-paced dialogue of the show, "Sperry commented.
The cast has been working diligently for several months to prepare for the upcoming show. "Rumors" features many veterans to the Neshaminy stage, whose talent and expertise have been an asset to the production.
"This was a very talented cast that was incredible to work with, " Rickerl said.
Director Gina Chiolan and Assistant Directors Kirsten Horn and Mike Deen lead the cast.
Joe Robb and the stage crew designed and built the intricate double level, black and white set of the posh New York apartment where the show is set.
"The unqiue aspect of the set is that it has two levels," Robb said. "Because of the split levle, we had to make the set sturdier, so it's almost like building a real house."
Everyone involved in the show is confident in the upcoming performance.
"'Rumors is an incredible show, " Chiolan commented. "It combines the comic genius of Neil Simon with some of the most talented actors to ever appear on a Neshaminy stage."
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and can be purchased at the door.