Neil Simon’s Humor Unfolds The Folly of Misunderstandings
by Patricia L. Morin
In a world filled with adversity, and fear, along with natural disasters and nuclear threats, swimming in a sea of hilarity offers the perfect relief. A short holiday relief that stops the outside world from invading.
Set Designer Clinton Vidal’s masterpiece set is a star in itself. It shines as an antique themed wood motif and furniture pervade the room, including a claw-foot coffee table.
A sixth couple invites five couples, each with unique careers and personalities, to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
Everything goes haywire when uptight Ken (Kyle Nash) and flighty Chris (Jennifer Rubio) discover that the host (unseen Charlie) has shot himself in the ear. His servant and his wife have vanished.
No one prepared food or drinks for the gown-and-tuxedo anniversary evening, making the night even worse. Soon, Lenny (Joshua Roberts) and his gossipy wife Claire (Virgie Poole) become tangled in hiding the gruesome incident.
What unravels from that point defies logic—a mixture of nonsense and farce. Each couple gossips ferociously about the next couple about to arrive. They unfold the bloody ear incident to each couple. Different types of rumors play out in each couple’s personalities. We witness pure gossip and purposeful misunderstanding. When gossip passes from one to another at Claire’s tennis court, it’s a lot like the old game “telephone”. Each player creates changes to the story.
Claire (Virgie Poole), Lenny (Joshua Roberts), Ken (Kyle Nash)
Director Clinton Vidal’s spirited cast deliver lines with spot on timing and pacing. The high energy ensemble does not miss a beat. The choreography holds our attention like a bright, moving target utilizing the whole stage. Vidal updates Neil Simon’s 80’s play with this year’s new BMW model.
Confusion abounds for logical Ernie (Andrew Norris) and his wife, kooky Cookie (Ginger Burnett). Cookie cooks them food when her back spasms, forcing her to crawl into the kitchen. She evokes a snide comment: “Well, that looks like fun.” Her physical performance is note-worthy.
Neil Simon aptly captures the snickering snobbery of the elite. Rumors based on the lives of the rich and famous permeate shows like “Entertainment. Tonight” and “Access Hollywood.” Political figures like secretive Glen (Rob Smiley), and his suspicious spoiled wife, Cassie (Brittany Kamerschen) are fertile fodder for cheap gossip magazines like the “National Enquirer” and “OK!”
In the play, we laugh at the exaggeration of their privileged personalities. But we also witness the juicy gossip they openly share with each other. Yet, we understand why they hide important struggles from the cheap rag newspapers and us.
Through their calamity, and as the fun-filled craziness grows, of course, the police show up. Officer Welsh (no nonsense police lady, Linda Scaporatti) and her laconic assistant, Officer Purdy (Chuck Schilling) add fire to the burning craziness.
Claire( Virgie Poole ), Chris (Jennifer Rubio), Ken (Kyle Nash), Cookie (Ginger Burnett), Ernie(Andrew Norris)
Lenny’s final monologue, through Roberts, is a gem
However, the most important mystery still hovers: Why does Charlie have a bloody ear? Where is Myra and the servant?
Come see for yourself. Laugh like you haven’t in a while, and leave feeling so much lighter than when you arrived. A fun getaway.
“Rumors” by Neil Simon, directed by Clinton Vidal, Lighting Design, Tom Kvech, costumer Sandra Grey and Donna Telepak at Benicia Theatre Group, Benicia, California info: www.BeniciaTheatreGroup.com –to May10th, 2026
Cast: Ginger Burnett, Brittany Kamerschen, Kyle Nash, Anrew Nash, Andrew Norris, Virgie Poole, Joshua Roberts, Jennifer Rubio, Linda Scaparotti, Chuck Schilling
Photos courtesy of Steve Organ