4 minute read
Gene Putnam behind ʻRumorsʼ
New play coming to Pierce next month
James Hermon / Roundup
Rehearsals are underway for the fall production of the Neil Simon comedy “Rumors,” directed by Gene Putnam, chair of the theatre art department.
The cast of 10 entered their second week of rehearsals and are very optimistic about their progress. Aside from minor setbacks, the production is going according to schedule.
“We’ve had a little illness to strike a cast member, but tonight we will get thorough blocking for the entire second act,” said Putnam. “We will be working the scene, breaking them down.”
The casting process for “Rumors” was extended an extra day, but now that all characters have been assigned the entire cast and crew has committed to countless hours of practice.
David Tinsley, who plays Officer Welch, was called back three times before he became a member of the cast.
“I don’t know if I was the first choice, but I am glad that it worked out for me,” said Tinsley. “Officer Welch is the only serious character in the play. He’s up for a promotion and isn’t going to let anything stand in the way of it… He means business.”
The play does not have any lead characters, nor is one character more significant than the other.
“‘Rumors’ is an ensemble piece, a team production, I took an extra day during the audition process to make sure that I chose the right team players… It’s like sports. A coach wants to play the best players,” said Putnam. “You just don’t grab the first person you see and throw them in the game.”
The setting alternates from the inside of a Victorian house to Upper Manhattan. The characters are upper class with “too much time on their hands,” said Putnam, as he fought to hold back his laughter. “Its just plain fun.”
Due to the nature of the piece the entire cast have a difficult time remaining serious during rehearsal.
The Broadway production first opened on Nov. 17 1988, under the direction of Gene Saks.
Michael Gend, the new technical instructor, is in charge of creating the set and lights.
“‘Rumors’ is the first show in awhile, where I have not created my own set,” said Putnam.
Edward Salas, stage tech, is in charge of the sound. Ariel Boroff, a former Cal Arts student with her masters in costume and makeup is in charge of costume designing. Kathy Juday, a Pierce College staff member, is the costume seamstress.
“Gene understands comedy really well and he understands this play really well,” said Wasim Nomani, who plays Glenn Cooper, said.
Nomani’s character is associated with the upper class and is running for state senator. The humor comes into play when he has constant arguments with his wife.
The preview performance will be Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. Tickets will only be sold at the door. Opening night is Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Both performances will in the Performing Arts Mainstage, located in the Performing Arts Building.
