Rumors will fly in SCHS spring play

Rumor has it that Shawano Community High School will be performing its spring play this week.

Actually, it’s not a rumor when it’s the truth.

SCHS will perform “Rumors,” written by Neil Simon, Thursday through Saturday at the school’s auditorium, 220 County Road B, Shawano. The show focuses on some well-to-do people and the rumors they come up with after the deputy mayor of New York has been shot, his wife is missing and the entire kitchen staff has disappeared.

“Rumors” first hit Broadway in 1988. It contains some adult language that might not be suitable for younger children, according to Mark Otte, theater manager and the show’s director.

“I love Neil Simon. He has a certain sense of comedic timing,” Otte said. “I think this is a good educational thing for the students, having to deal with quick exits and quick entrance, the whole idea of farce where someone knows something and someone doesn’t know something.”

Otte likes the show because it shows how irrational adults can act when they’re under stress. In this case, they spread falsehoods that ultimately backfire.

Addison Lewis, who plays the role of Lenny Ganz, is a key perpetrator in the show’s rumor mill. Lenny shares rumors with the other guests about the deputy mayor and his wife each allegedly having affairs, and then he goes over the top when he concocts a made-up story when a policeman arrives to question him about a car accident he was in.

Lewis, a sophomore, was eager to portray a darker character.

“He’s kind of one of those people who like pointing the blame at others instead of himself when it comes to situations,” Lewis said. “It’s actually kind of fun. This kind of shows the mean attitude I can get out of my character.”

The show is a stark contrast to the school’s fall production, the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet.” It also has a smaller cast, with 10 students carrying the entire show.

“The kids are on stage a little bit more unlike a bigger show where there are a lot of small parts,” Otte said.

Otte praised the students for quickly getting the comedic timing down, which is a plus considering the amount of memorization, and understanding Simon’s unique wit. He noted that having fewer cast members has given him more opportunities to work with actors one-on-one and clear up any problems well in advance of opening night.

“They bond in a different way than they do with a big cast,” Otte said. “They all have to be here at the same time, whereas with a bigger show, I’m able to work with somebody who is in sports or has other commitments.”

“Rumors” is the second SCHS show this school year that is more suitable for ages 14 and up. Otte said that the annual musical done in the winter tends to be a good way to attract audiences of all ages, which allows him to pursue shows that focus on mature themes.

“I think, educationally speaking, they’re better served by doing material that is a little more reflective of where they’re heading in the world,” Otte said.