Markham Little Theatre starts 2025 with Neil Simon’s Rumors

Markham Little Theatre is bringing an iconic voice of 20th-century American Theatre back to the Markham Theatre stage this February with Neil Simon’s Rumours. Running from Feb 12 to 15 at 8 p.m. (with a 2 p.m. matinee on the 15th), this modern classic gives the folks at MLT a chance to flex their muscles with a much-beloved play that’s responsible for many a glorious night of Theatre.

“There’s a reason that this play is popular,” says stage manager Sarah MacDonald. “Neil Simon created a clever script with a witty cast of characters that are exciting to bring to life. Our patrons deserve a fun night of laughter.”

“MLT remains Markham’s hidden gem,” says company president Judy Atherton. “Our goal is to make staying in Markham a great option compared to going downtown for a night out, and picking a beloved comedy like Rumors is a treat for us too”

The plot of Rumors seems straight forward enough; at the large, tastefully-appointed Sneden’s Landing townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though it’s only a flesh wound, Charlie Brock’s self-inflicted injury sets off a series of events causing four couples to experience a severe attack of farce.

As their tenth wedding anniversary party commences, the Deputy Mayor lies bleeding in another room, and his wife Myra is nowhere in sight. The first guests, lawyer Ken Gorman and his wife Chris, scramble to get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

“This show is far from simple,” adds the show’s Director, Gloria Thomas. “There are plot twists and turns, as well as countless moments of hilarity and glorious confusion. In our world of fast-flying information and gossip, this is a chance to see the fun side of humanity and friendship.”

The cast of Rumors is a veteran affair. All of the actors have walked the Markham Little Theatre stage in the past, and many of them have walked it often. They are, in order of appearance, Michèle Browne, Cam Lund, Julia Guthrie, John Fetherston, Kerry Harman, Chris Cluff, Shelagh Carlini, John Sellens, Tristan Stansfield, Cathy Ingram.

“This is a group of people who bring experience and creativity to everything they do,” says MacDonald, “and they love to laugh – rehearsals have been a dream.”

“One of the standouts for me has been the physical comedy,” says Thomas. “The actors are coming up with fantastic ideas, and are willing to try just about anything. Audiences are going to love them.”

The show’s set design and construction team is led by Wayne Milliner and René Vriends. Both company vets, they are working to provide the show with an upper-class home that is both practical and helpful while still being impactful to the audience.

“The show’s designers have created something truly special,” says the show’s producer Corrine Engelbrecht. “There’s something about seeing these completely absurd situations play out on a realistic, beautifully crafted set—it just makes everything even funnier.”
As with any farce, the show needs a lot of doors and a lot of stairs to ensure the pace of the comedy..

“Every detail has been carefully considered to create a visually stunning and functional environment that complements the chaos of the play,” says Engelbrecht.

Of course, one of the added joys in producing a beloved work is the connection that already exists to the work and its creator.

“Actors love it, directors love it, and we know that our Markham audience will love it,” says MacDonald

“I love Neil Simon,” says Thomas. “The first play I ever directed, back in 1990, was Neil Simon’s Odd Couple: The Female Version. I am enjoying directing his work once again.”

Markham Little Theatre always approaches its work with passion and commitment, but one thing that is immediately apparent about this particular production is the sheer joy being shared by all its creators, from the production team to stagehand.

“I’d love to highlight the team effort that’s gone into this,” says Engelbrecht. “It’s such a joy to see how it’s all coming together, and I think the audience will feel that energy when they see it on stage.”

And, as one of the show’s actors added from rehearsal last week, “The only reason not to come is if you’re allergic to laughter!”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit markhamtheatre.ca

Photo: The cast of Rumors.