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Rumors
by Neil Simon
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Neil Simon’s RUMORS is a fast-paced farce that begins with an elegant dinner party gone hysterically wrong. Four couples arrive expecting a night of sophistication—only to discover the host has shot himself in the ear (not fatally) and his wife is missing. Desperate to cover up the scandal, they spin wilder and wilder stories, turning confusion into chaos as rumors fly faster than champagne corks. Brimming with razor-sharp wit, slapstick mishaps, and Simon’s trademark charm, RUMORS is a laugh-out-loud comedy that proves the truth may be the funniest thing of all.
AUDITION NOTICE
Rumors
By Neil Simon
Directed by Cameron Collier
Open Call Auditions - No signup required
Audition Dates:
• Saturday, November 8 at 6:00 PM
• Sunday, November 9 at 6:00 PM
Auditioners only need to attend one date.
Location:
The Owen Theatre
About the Auditions:
This is an open call. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. No preparation is required, though it is recommended that auditioners come familiar with Neil Simon’s Rumors—a fast-paced farce full of witty dialogue, physical comedy, and outrageous situations.
Video Submissions:
If you are unable to attend in person, video auditions are accepted. Please submit a one-minute comedic monologue of your choice by Friday, November 7 to: cameronscottcollier@gmail.com
Notes from the Director:
This show thrives on timing, energy, and strong ensemble chemistry. Come ready to play, take risks, and have fun with the material.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Character age is somewhat flexible. The primary concern is that couples look like they "go together."
All roles are open to any ethnicity.
The play is a typical farce – very fast-paced with verbal & physical comedy that requires a good range of movement.
Chris Gorman - an elegant lawyer in her mid 30s. Married to Ken. She is nervous, neurotic, and easily flustered. Frantically tries to maintain normalcy at the party.
Ken Gorman - A well-to-do lawyer of about 40. Married to Chris. Wealthy, but by no means pretentious. He takes charge of the situation.
Claire Ganz - a New York society wife in her late 30s to early 40s. Married to Lenny. She is sharp as a tack with a witty sense of humor. Very concerned with appearances (hers and others) and a gossip monger.
Lenny Ganz - A wealthy accountant in his late 30s to early 40s. Married to Claire. Intolerant of the gossipy lifestyle that he is often involved in. Irascible and sarcastic, but very likable.
Ernie Cusack - A psychiatrist in his early 50s. Married to Cookie. Affable and a calming presence in the midst of the chaos, although he does lose it a couple of times. He tries to be as helpful as possible.
Cookie Cusack - a flamboyant host of her own cooking show in her 40s. Married to Ernie. Garish, dramatic, and a bit ditzy. Very physical role.
Glenn Cooper - a candidate running for New York State Senate in his 30s to early 40s. Married to Cassie. Ambitious and worried about his reputation and career.
Cassie Cooper - Glenn’s wife. She is the youngest guest, in her 20s to early 30s, and the least connected to the group. She is quick to anger and obsesses over her husband's relationships with other women.
Officer Welch - A city police officer having a rough night. He does not tolerate lying. Sees through the “classy” facade that these high-society types put up. Only appears in Act 2.
Officer Pudney - Welch’s partner. She is strong and supportive, but doesn’t say much. Only appears in Act 2. (Actor cast in this role may also understudy other roles)