Dipping into the well of an acclaimed American playwright has become routine for a local theatre company and they hope rumours of their success continues to spread.
Riding the momentum of a successful run with Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” last spring, Dewdney Players Group Theatre is presenting the award-winning American writer’s play “Rumors” Nov. 4 to Nov. 19.
“I think it’s always fun to do a farce,” said director Tracey Blackwell Boews of “Rumors”. “Because a farce is always a fast-paced comedy you can accommodate a lot of different patrons with that level of comedy.”
Boews promises lots of people rushing in and out doors and a “Three’s Company” TV show style comedic misunderstandings in the play.
“Rumors” is the tale of a group of affluent couples who gather for a dinner party in New York City in honour of the city’s deputy mayor. When they arrive there are severs to be found and the deputy mayor has inexplicably shot himself through the earlobe. The madcap exploits blossom from there.
“We believe in entertaining the audience and this is certainly going to do it,” said Brian Fea, a co-producer of the play, which will be performed locally at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) in Okotoks.
Having made its Broadway debut in 1988, “Rumors” is more mature in content than most Dewdney Players productions.
“I would say it’s probably for teenagers up,” Boews said. “It’s mainly because of language. There are a few f-bombs in it. I was surprised when they asked me to direct it because they usually stick with more family friendly material.”
Some in the audience will recognize members of the “Rumors” cast like Matt Molyneaux and Sue Moore from previous Dewdney shows. Others are making their debut with the theatre company.
“We definitely have some new faces and they’re just fabulous,” Boews said. “They are so committed and easy to direct for sure.”
Sharon Dvorsky in the role of Claire and Ryan Heck as Ernie are two examples of these talented newcomers. The aforementioned co-producer is also making his first appearance as an on stage performer with “Rumors”.
“I am a police officer in the play,” Fea said. “I come along somewhere in the second act. It’s not a major role but I’m busy when I’m on stage.”
The rookie actor jokingly explained he had to push himself beyond his personality to get his part right.
“My biggest challenge is I’m too nice guy for this part,” Fea said with a laugh. “He’s got to come in and sort this mess out. He’s got to be a take charge kind of guy.”
The “Rumors” director said audience members should expect to be highly entertained.
“It’s kind of light,” Boews said describing the play. “It’s a nice fun show to go out and see and laugh and laugh and laugh. You don’t have to think too hard.”
“Rumors”, a farce by Neil Simon, plays at 7:30 p.m. on selected nights between Nov. 4 and Nov. 19. Go to www.dewdneyplayers.com for the list of evening performances. There’s also a special matinee show at RPAC at 3 p.m. Nov.13. Tickets are available at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Okotoks Art Gallery at the Station or by calling 403-995-5778.
