Rumors, the most recent production of the Emery/Weiner theater department, transported the audience to a lavish New York home on a fateful night, where a group of close friends, including a psychiatrist, a politician, and a couple on the verge of divorce, become caught in a series of misunderstandings and increasingly absurd situations. Each character brings their own baggage, revealing tensions and secrets that complicate their interactions. The comedy within the play, which emerges from the rapid-fire dialogue, mistaken identities, and escalating chaos, kept the audience entertained as the characters attempted to piece together what happened to faceless characters: Charley and Myra Brock.
When I walked into the Blackbox, I was taken aback by the amazing set design and attention to detail the theater design team had put into this production. The meticulously crafted living room, complete with elegant mismatched furniture and beautiful vintage decor, instantly captured me in the world of Rumors. The warm lighting created an inviting yet subtly tense atmosphere, perfectly setting the stage for the immense amount of mix-ups and comedic mishaps that would soon unfold. However, quickly after this warm lighting, the whole room turned pitch black.
As senior Carly Katz walked from the darkness into the warm spotlight, I was immediately drawn into the frenzied atmosphere of the dinner party. Starting from an eerie silence, the scenes quickly transform into chaotic screaming matches. This shift, along with the dry-witty humor that came from each of the characters, kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entirety of the play. Every character, each more eccentric than the last, expertly navigated a web of misunderstandings and hilarious revelations. Specifically, sophomore Isaac Hochgloube stood out with his quick transitions and elaborate facial expressions that had the whole audience laughing.
By the end of the play, I felt as if I had spent the evening with old friends, gossiping about their wild antics and secrets. Rumors is a delightful reminder of how quickly a little gossip can spiral out of control!
