Get Ready to Laugh Out Loud!
This season, join us for an uproarious evening of laughter with Neil Simon’s “Rumors”! Set in a stylish New York duplex, this farcical comedy unfolds as a group of well-to-do friends gathers to celebrate a milestone anniversary—only to find themselves int the middle of a wild and chaotic misunderstanding. As the night unravels, secrets are spilled, rumors are ignited, and hilarity ensues. Don’t miss this chance to escape into a world of comedy and camaraderie where the only thing more outrageous than the rumors is the laughter that follows. Your face will hurt from laughing at all the madcap hijinks of these loveably, goofy bourgeois characters.
September 12 – 28, 2025
By Neil Simon
Directed by Richard Choate
Runtime: 2 hours
PLAY SYNOPSIS
Prepare for an evening of laughter, intrigue, and clever twists with Neil Simon’s brilliant comedy, “Rumors.” Set against the backdrop of a lavish New York City townhouse, this uproarious play unfolds during a gathering filled with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a whirlwind of gossip that spirals hilariously out of control. As the evening begins, a group of well-to-do friends arrives for a celebration that quickly turns into chaos when they discover that the host, Charlie, is nowhere to be found–and his wife, Myra is rumored to be in a precarious situation. With each character trying to navigate the escalating confusion, the ensemble brings to live a tapestry of quirky personalities, each with their own secrets and agendas. As they attempt to piece together the truth, the comedic misunderstandings multiply, leading to a series of outrageous and side-splitting situations.
“Rumors” is not just a comedy; it’s a sharp social commentary on the nature of friendship, relationships and the absurdity of human behavior. Neil Simon’s witty dialogue and expertly crafted characters invite the audience to reflect on how easily rumors can spread and the chaos they can cause. With a perfect blend of humor and heart, this play captures the essence of friendship and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests while trying to maintain appearances.
Join us for an unforgettable night filled with laughter, surprises, and a dash of drama. “Rumors” promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next in this delightful romp through the complexities of social interactions. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this timeless classic that reminds us all of the power of words and the importance of honesty–if only to keep the rumors at bay!
AUDITIONS
When:
Sunday July 27 2-5pm & Monday July 28 from 6-9pm
Where:
Cascades Theatre 148 NW Greenwood Ave Bend, OR
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Ken Gorman
A well-respected lawyer and a close friend of Charlie and Myra. Ken is intelligent, quick-thinking, and often tries to take charge when things spiral out of control. He is married to Chris.
Age range: 40s to early 50s
Chris Gorman
Ken’s wife. Chris is nervous, excitable, and prone to panic under pressure, but she is also caring and supportive. She often tries to maintain order amid the chaos.
Age range: 30s to 40s
Lenny Ganz
A sarcastic, sharp-witted accountant. Lenny is quick with a joke or a biting remark, especially when stressed. He is married to Claire.
Age range: 40s to early 50s
Claire Ganz
Lenny’s wife. Claire is elegant, observant, and enjoys sharing gossip. She is loyal to her friends and quick to offer her opinions.
Age range: late 30s to 40s
Ernie Cusack
A psychiatrist and amiable guest, Ernie is calm and tries to remain rational, often mediating disputes among the group. He is married to Cookie.
Age range: 40s to early 50s
Cookie Cusack
Ernie’s wife, a quirky and enthusiastic cooking show host. Cookie is dramatic, eccentric, and physically comedic, with a tendency for back spasms.
Age range: late 30s to 50s
Glenn Cooper
A rising politician with his fair share of insecurities and secrets. Glenn is image-conscious and ambitious, often concerned about his reputation. He is married to Cassie.
Age range: late 30s to 40s
Cassie Cooper
Glenn’s wife. Cassie is attractive and high-strung, spiritual, and believes in crystals. She is jealous and suspicious of Glenn, leading to frequent arguments.
Age range: late 20s to late 30s
Officer Welch
A tough, no-nonsense police officer. Welch is skeptical of the group’s story and persistent in seeking the truth about the evening’s mysterious events.
Age range: 30s to 50s
Officer Pudney
Welch’s junior partner. Pudney is quieter, less experienced, and mainly observes, occasionally chiming in.
Age range: 20s to 30s