Southeastern Theatre presents Neil Simon's “Rumors”
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 
by: Rene Abadie
SOUTHEASTERN'S RUMORS—Larry Heard of Abita Springs, left, playing the role of "Ken," confronts M.J. Ricks ("Lenny") of Lacombe, while Angela Griffitt ("Claire") of Mandeville, adds her two cents during rehearsals for the Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre production of Neil Simon's comedic farce "Rumors." The play will be performed at the university's Vonnie Borden Theatre Oct. 7-10.
HAMMOND – Neil Simon's comedic play "Rumors" will open the theatre season at Southeastern Louisiana University with a four-night performance at Vonnie Borden Theatre scheduled Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 7-10.
The play, which Simon called a "comedic farce," is part of Southeastern's 29th Fanfare season, a fall celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences.
General admission tickets are $10; $5 for Southeastern faculty and staff, seniors, and non-Southeastern students; and Southeastern students are admitted free with ID.
"Rumors" follows a group of New York socialites attending a 10th anniversary party as they hilariously try to conceal a scandal from the police and the media. Guest Director Alicia Hanley, a 2009 Southeastern graduate, says audiences are in for a laugh and describes the project as "great fun to work on" and "fast-paced, slapstick style comedy."
"Rumors" premiered in New York in 1988. Critics described it as "one lie-fill rumor leading to another."
The student cast is composed of Blake Tabor as Chris, Angele Griffitt as Claire, and Mary Simmons as Cassie, all of Mandeville; Larry Heard of Abita Springs as Ken, MJ Ricks of LaCombe as Lenny, Felicity Prosperie of Houma as Cookie, Austin Cradic of Covington as Ernie. Seth Walker of Denham Springs plays Glenn. Justin Davis and Keisha Davis, both of New Orleans, play Officer Welch and Officer Pudney respectively.
The design and production team are also Southeastern students and alumni. Rebecca Fife, Pearl River, costume designer; and KT Turner, Hammond, stage manager, assisted by Brittany Robinson, Slidell. Scenic design is being provided by Southeastern alumna, Becca Ackermann of New Orleans. Make-up and hair design is being provided by Anthony Gary of Lutcher, and alumnus Will Stacey is handling lighting design.
For more information, contact Southeastern Theatre at (985) 549-2115.
