MANSFIELD, Ohio – If asking no questions means telling no lies, the latest show, “Rumors,” at the Mansfield Playhouse would largely be devoid of any dialogue since lie after lie is what makes up this high-energy adult comedy.
Director Doug Wertz is once again at the helm of the Playhouse’s last adult main-stage production of the season, which begins when the Deputy Mayor of New York invites some friends over to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary.
“Through a misunderstanding, and after several drinks, he accidentally he shoots himself through the earlobe,” said Wertz. “From that point on as the guests arrive there is story, after story, after story to try to cover up what’s happened. That’s where all the rumors start, from the very top of the show.”
This is the second time the Neil Simon farce has appeared in Mansfield. Wertz stated “Rumors” was first performed at the Playhouse in the early 1990s. Wertz himself appeared in the original show, along with returning actors Mike Schoeppner, Renee Rebman, and husband and wife team Eric and Johnna Gustafson.
“Several people have come back to this show because it’s so much fun,” said Wertz. “This is a veteran cast, and man they picked it up and started running with it. It was so nice that I was able to give polish notes really early on. They were dedicated to the show, and it really paid off.”
The 10-person cast includes Johnna Gustafson as Chris Gorman, Eric Gustafson as Ken Gorman, Carla Eighinger as Claire Ganz, Jeff Kilgore as Lenny Ganz, Mike Schoeppner as Ernie Cusack, Renee Rebman as Cookie Cusack, Beau Roberts as Glenn Cooper, Lyndsey Saltz as Cassie Cooper, Doug Wertz as Officer Welch, and Cassie Hill as Officer Pudney.
“The acting is wonderful because of all the relationships with each of the couples,” said Wertz, who noted two real-life couples are in the cast. “To see the relationships with each of the couples, and they are distinct and defined, it’s just wonderful. They do a great job.”
The action comes to life on a remarkable two-level set built entirely by Wertz, a set he calls one of his more elaborate works with a staircase and a number of doorways. There’s a style of comedy for everyone in “Rumors,” from one-liners to situation comedy to physical comedy – and also a bit of adult language, Wertz cautioned.
Wertz assured the audience would eventually find out the truth about what really happened to the poor Deputy Mayor. In the meantime, a roller coaster of action ensues with no real moral attached, just pure entertainment.
“If you want to see organized chaos that will bring much laughter, this is the way to go,” he said. “As soon as the curtain opens, they’re off at a run.”
“Rumors” opens on Friday, April 24 starting at 8 p.m. with additional show dates on April 25 at 8 p.m., May 1 at 8 p.m., May 2 at 8 p.m. and May 3 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mansfieldplayhouse.com.
“If you want to see organized chaos that will bring much laughter, this is the way to go,” he said. “As soon as the curtain opens, they’re off at a run,” said Doug Wertz.
