Rumors

a smoking gun......

Director Keith Baker describes farce as “something that has a plot in which the characters are forced to react to a situation.” And thus we have the premise of Neil Simon’s RUMORS: A FARCE. A New York City Deputy Mayor and his wife are hosting a tenth anniversary party. Neither the mayor nor his wife is on the scene.  After a couple of guests arrive, shots are heard;  apparently the mayor has shot himself but for anyone to find out would be scandalous! The newly arrived guests try to keep this secret from later arrivals, as well as an explanation of where the hostess is and why the food is not prepared.  This absurd tale can be seen at the Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pa. through April 17, 2016.  It is fast-paced and its all-star ensemble cast acts with precision. Timing is essential in any creative work, perhaps more so in a farce, and the actors play their roles to perfection.  Costume Designer Linda B. Stockton has done an outstanding job of designing a wardrobe for a posh set of friends attending an anniversary party. There are several doors in the set for various actors to enter and reappear through as is frequently the case in this genre. There are many laugh lines smattered throughout the piece, but some of them seem slightly forced. Perhaps the biggest laugh line of all occurs at the very end of the play, so keeps your ears tuned. For more information or tickets, call 215-785-0100, visit online at brtstage.org. or visit Bristol Riverside Theatre’s box office, 120 Radcliffe Street Monday-Fridays, 9:15 – 4:45 PM.