East Ventura News

California Lutheran University's Theatre and Dance Department is set to stage Neil Simon’s comedy "Rumors" as a student production. The play, presented in partnership with Concord Theatricals, will run from April 23 to 27 at the Preus-Brandt Forum on the Cal Lutheran campus. Evening performances will occur from Wednesday to Saturday, with a matinee on Sunday.

Theater student Lia Tracey, portraying Claire Ganz, commented on Simon’s distinctive humor driven by "rich, dynamic characters," stating, “I think each actor has been perfectly cast to bring these roles to life.”

"Rumors," set in late 1980s New York, centers on characters Ken and Chris Gorman, attending a party at the suburban residence of the deputy mayor. A mishap occurs when they find the host with an ear injury from an accidental self-inflicted shot, with his wife missing. The story unfolds as the couple attempts to conceal the host’s misfortune before other guests arrive.

The performance highlights Simon's exploration of rumors and deception, as characterized by Fiona Martin, who plays Chris Gorman: “Though the characters we play are in a constant state of stress, there is nothing but fun in the play.” Martin added they are eager for the audience to experience the production.

Tickets are priced at $10 and available online at bit.ly/rumorsproduction or at the venue. The show is complimentary for Cal Lutheran students, faculty, and staff with identification. The Preus-Brandt Forum is situated at 135 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks, on the Cal Lutheran campus.

Neil Simon, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, utilizes "Rumors" to probe the dynamics of deception and rumor-mongering.

Cal Lutheran, established in 1959 and recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, serves over 2,200 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students from 58 countries. The university emphasizes cultivating open-minded leaders who value service and justice.

For further information, media contacts are available through Tom Hoener, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Sarene Wallace, PR Consultant.