Aspen Community Theatre’s ‘Rumors’ brings retro comedy to the stage

Aspen Community Theatre’s adult-themed, light-hearted farcical production of Neil Simon’s “Rumors” is set to bring a wave of 1990s nostalgia to the local stage. 

Performances are scheduled at the Wheeler Opera House at 7 p.m. from Nov. 13-15, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 16.

The play follows four New York power couples who gather to celebrate a 10th wedding anniversary, but the evening takes a wild turn when the deputy mayor is discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot flesh wound.

“What I love about ‘Rumors’ is, number one, the writing — a Neil Simon farce is fabulous,” Director Wendy Tennis said. “It is fast-paced. It is very witty. Every line, every nuance, moves very fast. And, of course, it’s a farce, so you’re up and down stairs, in and out of doors, and the storyline is so much fun.”

Tennis, who brings over 30 years of community theater experience and previously served as education director at Theatre Aspen, selected the non-musical play that was approved by the board. It marks the first time in 25 years that Aspen Community Theatre has departed from musicals to present an ensemble comedy. It’s also 32 years after the nonprofit last staged “Rumors,” in 1993. Tennis has both directed and acted in “Rumors” before. 

“It’s a farcical tale of a dinner party gone wrong,” said Aspen newcomer and performer Hensley Gregg, who plays wife Chris Gorman in the comedy, the first character to appear on stage.

Set in the 1990s, the production revels in the era’s quirks, from the fashion to the technology. 

“I think the thing people will notice is that there is a landline,” Christopher Wheatley, who plays psychiatrist Ernie Cusack, said — adding how it was during a time period when people were put on hold in order to talk to the next caller. 

“Rumors” marks the Woody Creek resident’s sixth production with Aspen Community Theatre.

For Gregg, it’s the costumes that stand out as a reminder of the era, while Tennis is delighted by the 1990s set and the historical references, like the mention of Mikhail Gorbachev.

“We’re having a great time with that,” she said. “It’s one of those plays that’s just really, really fun. It has great audience appeal. We wanted something that would give people an evening out. It’s definitely an adult evening out.”

The cast ranges in age from their 20s to their 70s, reflecting the company’s inclusive approach and representing a departure from the script. The comedy’s six- to eight-week rehearsal schedule, which began in September, allowed the cast members juggling work and family to participate.

“It’s a more welcoming and positive aspect of an ACT production,” Wheatley said.

Also noteworthy, it’s the first time in the five decades of Aspen Community Theatre that performances will be held at both the Wheeler Opera House and The Ute Theatre in Rifle.

Tickets range from $25 to $33, depending on the venue. For information, visit aspencommunitytheatre.org/show, or contact the Wheeler Opera House and The Ute Theater.