It’s a dinner party to remember as “Rumors” takes the stage at Chico Theater Company.
Written by the iconic stage writer Neil Simon, the comedy farce has performances scheduled through June 28.
Chaos erupts at a posh townhouse in New York City during a dinner party in the home of Charlie Brock, the Deputy Mayor of New York City.
As he and his wife prepare to host a celebration of ten married years, guests arrive to find the host shot in the ear and his wife missing.
“It's sort of looking at what friendship is all about,” Assistant Director Scott Matthews said. “They're throwing these rumors back and forth at each other, and none of them are based on reality at all, and that becomes more apparent as it goes on and on.”
Considered one of Simon’s most underrated works, Matthews said the material isn’t just sharp but also a social commentary on friendship and human behavior, as seen in its characters.
“They're just human like everyone else, and they're doing the best they can in their situation, and that appeals to audiences over and over again,” Matthews said.
Matthews has been working in theater across North State schools for more than 20 years, and has recently returned to a production after slowing down during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It's just been fun getting into theater again and doing it at a community level,” Matthews said.
Also making a return to the Chico stage is Bryan Finnigan as Lenny Ganz.
The sarcastic, caustic accountant to Charlie Brock was a role that felt like home to Finnigan.
“Honestly, the type of sarcasm reminds me of home. I've borrowed a lot of beats from my dad,” Finnigan said.
Finnigan, who has been in and out of theater spaces over the last three decades, auditioned for the role and, since his return, has been reconnecting with the Chico community.
“I like physical comedy, and have been very lucky and privileged enough to work with a very talented cast, and there's just a lot of kinetic energy in the show,” Finnigan said.
He highlights the farce’s improvisational nature and its appeal, emphasizing the relatability of the characters and the audience's role in making each performance one of a kind.
“Every show is not the same,” Finnigan said. “There are aspects of it that are very improvisational by design, so there's a different performance every night.”
