The Sandspur

Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: News

It's no lie. Neil Simon's "Rumors" took the Annie Russell Theater by storm last week, spreading rumors all throughout the show, prompting the audience to contemplate the authenticity of the verbal bashings and gossip that small communities foster all too well. In the play, a socialite's been shot in the ear at a 10th anniversary dinner and the couples that come to party are forced to deal with the problem and the hilarious consequences that follow. Directed by Dr. Joseph Nassif, "Rumors" was without a doubt, a well executed comedic work.

There is a journalistic ethic that inclines me against inking a review of "Rumors" - I am a Rollins student and a theater participant. In addition, my being personal friends with the majority of the cast takes away from the total mystique of the theatrical experience - if only for an instance. However, my insight allows me access to the process of theater, its creation and development from auditions to its reviewable opening weekend.

Michael Dalto, 21, is a busy Religious Studies major who doubles as my roommate and also plays the role of Lenny Ganz. A member of Rollins Improv Players and a veteran of comedy, Michael embraces the field of farce. "It's hard to rehearse comedy to an empty house, and it's good to see that the show was met with a receptive audience." With ten Rollins productions under his belt, Dalto highly regards Rumors. "You can never be too over the top in a farce."

Michael is one of ten cast members in a play that also has fifteen students in its running crew. One opportunity and difficulty in directing and acting can be the large, ensemble cast found in a script like Simon's Rumors. During the "Talkback" session shortly after the curtain fell, Dr. Nassif remarked about how "the cast of this show is very well accomplished" and and how they responded well to the nature of a very methodical comedy. However, in terms of directional ease, the large scenes were the most difficult to direct because every added individual contributed to an ever clouding stage picture.

Dr. Nassif speaks about Neil Simon's comedy highly. "The man is phenomenal with his gift of comedy." Nassif understands the playwright. "Each line is orchestrated, timed and choreographed." In directing his pupils, he utilizes his tools while guiding actor's attempts at both laughs and dramatic moment. "Many students want to punch the funny parts." He nods knowingly. "You can't. You have to be patient."

Continued...

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