At a large, tastefully-appointed townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken, and wife, Chris, must get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.
That’s the plot to Sapulpa Community Theatre’s newest show, Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” which opens in mid-September. The tagline says so much with little more than a single word—”A farce.”
There’s no question about it: comedy is where it’s at, as far as live theatre is concerned—at least, that’s been our experience at Sapulpa Community Theatre (124 S. Water) over the last few years.
Sponsored by:
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The former church-turned-community theatre now over 30 years in existence, has seen a long line of successes, including some very heart-warming shows during its holiday shows, and the occasional drama.
Indeed, this year’s “Flowers For Algernon”—about a man who undergoes experimental brain surgery to increase his intelligence—was one of the most powerful performances in all of community theatre. Watching H. Levi Smiley’s transformation from a gullible, mentally-handicapped man to a confident, highly intelligent, even arrogant academic is nothing short of pure, quality acting. Those who were there will tell you—many of them left in tears.
But, as powerful as that show was, the ones that always get the best response, the best sales, are comedies. Especially in Sapulpa, who apparently, knows what it wants.
Lovers of laughter will be glad to hear that the theatre is returning to its charm in Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” directed by Kim Rutherford in her directorial debut.
Arriving in 1988, “Rumors” has been a smash hit from the beginning. When it opened on Broadway, some 34 years ago, New York Times said “(Rumors) has simply nothing on its mind other than making the audience laugh.”
The show opens on September 16th, but tickets are available now and can be purchased online at sapulpatheatre.org or by calling or texting 918-227-2169. The show will run for two full weekends, with showtimes at 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 pm on Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $5 for children, pre-K to 18.
(Disclosure: Micah Choquette is President of the Sapulpa Community Theatre’s Board of Directors)
