California Lutheran University’s Theatre Arts Department presented Neil Simon’s “Rumors” at the Preus-Brandt Forum from April 23-27.
The comedy, directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Christine Cummings,featured student actors from the department. The project has been in the works for the majority of the semester, with cast members rehearsing four to five nights a week for three hours at a time, according to Cummings.
“I figured we would end the season with just something that was fun and big and goofy,” said Cummings, regarding the choice of “Rumors” for the spring production.
According to Cummings, the production opens in a high-stakes situation and maintains fast-paced energy throughout the play. Directing a play like “Rumors” requires specific attention to timing, she said.
“You have to treat it like a piece of music. The timing is essential— every pause, you know, the moments where you want it to go much faster— you literally have to look at it as a piece of music,” Cummings said.
Sophomore Leighton Line played Ken Gorman, a main character who first appears in the play’s opening scene.
“We’ve been working on stuff and really we’re just trying to put our best into that first scene so it really grips the audience and they’re excited for what’s to come,” Line said.
Line is also a props manager for the production, and was tasked with acquiring items appropriate to the 1980s setting.
Cummings said being as period-specific as possible was an important part of preparation for the production.
Some of these specific elements included music, telephone sounds, and props from the era. Cummings said she worked with the design team in order to incorporate authentic 1980s elements.
Stage manager, senior Brayden Galante, described his role as “the communication hub” between different departments.
“It’s a very rhythmic show in the line delivery,” Galante said. “[There are] a lot of phone calls and doorbells that happen at funny times.”
The more physical aspects of the production came to fruition with the help of a fight and movement coordinator, Cummings said. The coordinator helped actors better understand how to tackle scenes involving falls, trips, and running up and down stairs in heels.
Line said cast members dedicated a lot of time and energy into preparing for the show, and they hope that comes across on stage.
“Me and my fellow actors, we’ve been putting in a lot of work and the show is looking great. So, just can’t wait for that opening night. It’s gonna be a lot of fun and I hope to see a lot of familiar faces in the audience,” Line said. “We have some really great actors, really great stage managers— all around, just really great people to be with.”
Cummings said she looks forward to students and community members going to watch the play.
“I’m just really, really proud of what they have done in their dedication. They’ve been so supportive of each other. This cast, the alchemy of the cast is just wonderful,” Cummings said.
