OCR Text |
Show -- --------------- --------------~ ... ni O -·--- - -- .. 1TIB1JE Alli1f§----------=--'---T_H_EUN_lVE_RS_ITY__.;.J_O_URN_AL_·_S_O_U_TH_E_·RN_UT_AH_U_N_lVE_·_RS_ITY __ • T_HUR--:-_so _ A_ · Y_,_SE_PT_EMB_E_R_l _7,_1_99_8 'Rumors' keeps audience in stitches By BRANDON BEVAN JOURNAL ARTS EDITOR Harry Shearer, comedian and voice of Mr. Smithers on The Simpsons, said, 'T he hardest work most of us do is maintaining the :1ppearance of normality." This quote could be lhe theme for Stage IJ's performance of Rumors. Wrim:n by Neil Simon, the play is a humorous romp mixed wilh mystel)' and mayhem as four couples planning to auend the 10th wedding anniversal)' of their fric:nd, the deputy mayor of New York Ciry, instead find themselves in the middle of an attempted suicide scandal. From the beginning of the stol)', I was immediately pulled into the per(ormance by the strong characterization of Ken and Chris Gorman , played by Brandon Jones and Kristen Kemerer, respectively. The couple had just arrived at the house of Charlie and Myra Brock, the deputy mayor and his wife, only to find Charlie shot in the head (actually a superficial car wound) and Myra missing. Ken , not only being lhe deputy mayor's friend but also his lawyer, decides lhat they must not tell anyone of the predicament until they know exactly what has occurred. \'Vhile tl)'ing to keep up the appearance that everything is normal, the evening becomes one of tall tales, merry mishaps, and creative comedy when Lenny and Claire Gantz arrive, played by Duane Waihi and Katie Wecker. Late to the parry because of a car accident, the couple are in no mood for games and quickly learn of the situation , therefore becoming accessories to tile escalating c harade. Adding to the comic cast of characters arc Melanie Harding and Jared Larkin, who play Ernie and Cookie Cusak, an eccentric duo hip deep in love and Schaus and Ramsay each give excellent perfom1ances while creating more tum1oil in the already overheating conditions. At long last the truth comes out, and ·things really start to heat op. With tensions mounting and the guests ready to give up, their worst dreams come to fruition. Knocking at the door are two police officers, played by Kris Fitzgerald and Karla Bassett. Fitzgerald's awesome performance of a classic copper creates havoc with the by now frazzled guests. This leads up to the belly·busting finale that finally puts everything into perspective. However, this reporter won 't rni n the outrageous ending, but would rather let you experience it for yourselves. Directed by Jenny Bates, Rumors is a terrific performance. The casting is splendid with each actor greatly adding to lhe overall effectiveness of the play. A superb performance by Duane Waihi kept me in stitches, wh ile Brandon Jones and Zander Schaus both p rovided firstl"Jte comedic perfomrnnccs. The efficiency oft he rest of the players created a smooth-flowing comedy glue for what is a grand performance by all. My compliments go out to Stage II in what was its last dress rehearsal. Rumors promises to be a great show. Recommendation: don't miss this play. The play runs nightly Sept. 17-19 and 23-26. Located in lhe Adams Outdoor Theatre, it starts at 7:30 each evening. laughter. A psycho·analysl and cooking connoisseur, the couple add to the abnormality of the evening wilh their own litlle comedic crisis. Rounding out the guest list are Glen and C'lSsie Cooper, a politician running for the state senate and his jealous, Cl)'Stal-dutching wife, portrayed by Zander Schaus and Ruth Ann Ramsay. Kalle Wecker and Duane \Valhi (seated) writhe In comedt'c agony as Brandon Jones tries to explain the attempted suicide of their good friend, the deputy mayor. 171e three theatre majors appear in the Stage II performance of Neil Simon's 'Rumors. ' ·southwest Tanning 58; S Main Suite 2 Cedar Cit_y, UT 8+720 New Items Everyday! :fiJ· .3J \ Traveling TOGS •n•s (regular beds onl~) Also, take advantage of our Saturda.Y Special $; reg. tan session $ 5 ruva tan session Good to be Threw" QUALITY. PRICE, SELECTION OPEN LATE September .._Special 10 tans for $25 Too . Name Brands: Calvin Klein, Guess, GAP, Girbaud, Lucky, Polo, Canyon River, Arizona, Road Rags, Old Navy, Levi, Lee, Wrangler, JNCO, Z Cavaricci, Esprit, Express, Jessica McClintock, Nine West, Dr. Martens ... and many more. ..A Traveling ~ "It's Too Good to TOGS be Next to Lin's Market Threw" • Member: N ational Association of Resale and Thrift Stores |