Tennessee Tech University’s Backdoor Playhouse will present Neil Simon’s classic farce Rumors this April, bringing an evening of secrets, scandal and fast-paced comedy to the stage.
Directed by Eleni Fragopoulos, the production opens April 16 and runs through April 25 at the Backdoor Playhouse, located in the rear of the Jere Whitson Memorial Building on the campus’ main quad.
Set in an elegant townhouse just outside New York City, Rumors begins with a mystery: the deputy mayor of New York has apparently shot himself – though only a flesh wound – and his wife has vanished. As the first guests arrive for the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary party, they quickly realize something is terribly wrong.
“After reading the play, it quickly became clear that this was a wonderful choice, full of lively physical humor and richly drawn characters,” Fragopoulos said.
The guests — three well-connected couples accustomed to moving in elite social circles — quickly find themselves in an increasingly complicated situation. Two of the first arrivals discover their host injured and their hostess missing, leaving them scrambling to decide how to handle the situation before anyone else finds out.
As additional guests arrive, each couple brings their own personalities, suspicions and misunderstandings to the evening. One pair is quick to jump to conclusions, while another tries to take control of the narrative. Meanwhile, a nervous lawyer and his sharp-tongued wife attempt to keep the story straight as the situation spirals further out of control.
Determined to avoid scandal, the party’s attendees begin inventing increasingly elaborate explanations for what has happened. Their attempts to maintain appearances only create more confusion, forcing the group to improvise a growing web of half-truths and outright lies.
What follows is a whirlwind of slamming doors, mistaken identities and escalating deception as the couples struggle to keep their stories consistent while protecting their host’s reputation.
Written by celebrated playwright Neil Simon, Rumors remains one of the most beloved stage comedies of the late 20th century. Known for his sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing, Simon crafted a farce that blends rapid-fire dialogue with physical comedy and clever misunderstandings.
Fragopoulos’ production highlights the humor that emerges when carefully maintained social facades begin to crumble under pressure.
The show opens on Thursday, April 16, with additional performances set for April 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25. All showtimes for evening performances is at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance April 18 at 2 p.m.
General admission for the show is $15, admission for senior citizens 65 and older and military with identification is $12, students are $5, and a $5 faculty and staff night has been set for the Thursday, April 23, performance.
Tickets may be purchased online here. The new ticketing system allows patrons to view seating, select options and purchase tickets online.
Rumors is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
For more information about the Backdoor Playhouse or its production of Rumors, visit its website here.
Tracey Hackett
