Aspen Community Theatre produces first non-musical in 25 years
Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors’ will also extend outside of the Roaring Fork Valley in a historic Aspen Community Theatre first
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Aspen Community Theatre is making its return after 25 years away from non-musical productions with Neil Simon’s funny play “Rumors” — a farcical tale of social chaos and mistaken identities.
The launch marks the beginning of the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Tickets are on sale now.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to finally share this production with our community,” Producer Travis Lane McDiffett said in a statement. “Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors’ is comedic brilliance ― a fast-paced farce that will have audiences laughing from start to finish.”
“Rumors,” which premiered in 1988, observes four New York power couples who gather to celebrate a 10th wedding anniversary. When the deputy mayor is discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a comedic series of “confusions, cover-ups, and miscommunications” creates a memorable concoction of absurdity.
Performances will run daily at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13; Friday, Nov. 14; and Saturday, Nov. 15, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Wheeler Opera House.
For the first time in Aspen Community Theatre history, the show will stage performances at both the Wheeler Opera House and at The Ute Theatre in Rifle. The dual-venue approach marks the first time in the company’s five decades it will bring live theater beyond the Roaring Fork Valley.
Shows will run at The Ute Theater in Rifle from Nov. 21-23, with evening performances at 7 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
“This is the perfect way to ramp up to our 50th anniversary celebrations,” McDiffett said, “and we’re especially excited to bring ACT to Rifle for the very first time.”
Wendy Tennis is directing this revival, 32 years after Aspen Community Theatre last staged the play in 1993.
Tickets range from $25 to $33, depending on the venue. For more information visit aspencommunitytheatre.org/show, or go to the Wheeler Opera House and The Ute Theater websites.
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Aspen Community Theatre produces first non-musical in 25 years
Aspen Community Theatre is making its return after 25 years away from non-musical productions with Neil Simon’s funny play “Rumors” — a farcical tale of social chaos and mistaken identities.
