Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – The play Rumors by Neil Simon is one of his most celebrated comedies. It’s set in the late 1980s at an upscale Victorian home about 20 miles north of New York City. This is the first mainstage show for Director Christine Sullivan. She said she had a very clear vision for how she wanted the cast to be for this show and she was excited to see them come to life on stage. The challenge she faced was trying to find a balance between the sarcastic humor and the likability of the characters. During casting, she looked for actors who had the ability to do both.

Cast Members in Rumors

Andy Kleckner is playing a supporting role in Lenny Ganz. He shared that it wasn’t the character he wanted when he auditioned. However, after he read for the part, he was delighted when he received the role. Andy said Lenny is very sarcastic but somehow likable. He insults nearly everyone in the cast. It’s fun to play a character so different from how Andy is in real life.

Bethany Peckham plays the female lead role in Chris Gorman. Bethany shared that her character has a straight-laced personality which is not like Bethany in real life. She said she does find some similarities with the character of Chris and it’s fun to see how she develops and changes during the course of the play.

Christine Sullivan as Director shared the rest of the cast with James. Some have been seen on the WRCT stage many times and others are new to the mainstage or haven’t acted since middle school. Christine said it’s been a joy to work with this cast and everyone is doing a great job.

Phil Hartley – Ken Gorman
Ann Trzinski – Clair Ganz
Dick Antinoja – Ernie Cusack
Heather Sairs – Cookie Cusack
Jeff Friday – Glenn Cooper
Cassidy Rinker – Cassie Cooper
Chris Williams – Officer Welch
Evelyn Chojnacki – Officer Pudney

Show Dates and Link to the Interview

Rumors by Neil Simon opens on the WRCT stage May 3rd at 7:00 PM. Shows will continue on May 4, 9, 10, and 11 at 7:00 PM. On May 11th, they’ll have a 2:00 PM matinee. Tickets are available on the WRCT website or by calling the box office at 715-421-0435. You can hear the full interview with Rumors cast members and James Malouf on Mid-day Magazine from April 30th.