Oak Ridge Playhouse presents Neil Simon's 'Rumors'

Misunderstanding and miscommunication runs rampant as Oak Ridge Playhouse spreads Neil Simon’s "Rumors," Oct. 13-22. Part of their 81st season of shows, this comedic farce is hijinks and high stress, which is nothing short of hysterical.

The elegant romp follows a group of New York socialites attending the 10th anniversary party of a distinguished Deputy Mayor and his wife. The first couple to arrive finds their honored host bloody and unconscious, while the hostess is nowhere to be found. Determined to piece together what happened, and avoid a scandal, the well-meaning to-doers attempt to cover for their injured friend. However, fueled by the circulating rumor mill, the evening’s antics become overly outlandish as more guests stream in.

A fast-paced, slapstick comedy, Neil Simon offers a wild ride that is not only entertaining and light-hearted, but also keeps audiences guessing all the way up to the very end. Full of over-the-top excuses, cheap jabs, and hot gossip, "Rumors" is not only side splitting, but front and back splitting.

The four featured couples are cleverly played by Joseph Jaynes, Tuesday Reynolds, Tim Reynolds, Francesca Reggio, Craig Smith, Lisa Silverman, Steven Belding, and Casey Maxwell. Lee Wittenberg and Kadi Marie Brazil are the police officers trying to make sense of the evening’s absurdities.

Tickets are $26.50 for seniors/adults, and $23.50 for students with any student ID. Tickets can be purchased online at www.orplayhouse.com, or by calling the Box Office at (865) 482-4877, Tuesday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.

This production is made possible through additional support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Ash Goodwin is the arts administrator for the Oak Ridge Playhouse.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge Playhouse presents Neil Simon's 'Rumors'