Naperville Central faculty join students in production of 'Rumors'

As if a typical Neil Simon script isn't funny enough on its own, the students at Naperville Central High School's Experimental Theatre have added a twist that can only compound the comedy.

This weekend, a campus club known as Theatre Central will present Simon's "Rumors" with a cast composed of students and faculty.

Show director Natalie Mueller, a senior, was directing a one-act play last spring when the idea materialized. Her cast called for more boys than were readily available, so she asked one of her teachers to do the honors.

"He was all in for that. He worked really hard. He was one of the best cast members I've ever had because everything was so new to him," said Mueller, president of Theatre Central.

This time out, three faculty members are among the 11 cast members. And a fourth teacher is serving as a costume design consultant.

Mueller said she wanted to give faculty a chance to experience what students do when they go out for a part in a school play.

She said eight to 10 faculty members auditioned for roles.

"They were competing for roles with the students. They had to fight for roles with other faculty and students," she said.

The process went smoothly. She and her assistant director and stage manager were able to winnow the pool and come up with a cohesive ensemble.

"I found my cast. They are amazing to work with," she said. "They've been in the process since the beginning."

Mueller said she's had remarkably little trouble relating to teachers in their dual roles as educators and as actors under her direction.

During class and the school day, teachers remain in charge. The tables are turned a bit later in the day, during rehearsal time.

"Only after school, I am the authority," she said.

The show's story revolves around a couple's 10th wedding anniversary celebration and the confusion that ensues when guests arrive to find the wife missing. Excuses are made, stories are told and misunderstandings abound.

"It's a farce," Mueller said. "Everybody thinks something else is going on and nobody knows what really happened."

Biology teacher Crystal Griffith plays Claire Ganz, one of the party guests. Mueller is one of her former students.

"It was weird at first," she said, but that feeling soon dissipated. "The kids are fun. I've really enjoyed being here."

Griffith said she hasn't dabbled in theater since the beginning of her freshman year in high school.

"It's a little harder to learn the lines than I thought it would be," she said.

It's also a little tougher than she imagined to memorize all the stage movement, especially in a show that's full of entrances, exits and sweeping gestures.

"There's a lot of action, there's a lot of things to keep track of," she said.

Senior Ismail Umer plays Lenny Ganz, Clare Ganz' husband.

The part is demanding, he said.

"This is one of the biggest roles I've ever had, by far," he said. "I have a three-page monologue as well. The entire delivery takes me five to seven minutes."

Umer said it's been fun to see teachers in a different light, "when they're allowed to show their fun, easygoing side. I think it's a really good idea."

Faculty adviser Tom Ulbrich said the idea of putting teachers and students in a show together has been done before at Naperville Central -- but not for a long time.

"We did it about 20 years ago when we did 'Auntie Mame,' " he said.

Mueller said the intent behind Experimental Theatre is to try new things, or things that haven't been tried in a while, and run with them.

"We put a few little twists on something and just have a good time with it," she said.

If you go

What: Neil Simon's "Rumors"

Who: Theatre Central's Experimental Theatre

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Little Theatre, Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville

Tickets: $5

Info: (630) 420-3885 or naperville203.org

'Rumors' cast list

Kelsey Herbert: Chris Gorman

Dave Tarsha: Ken Gorman

Crystal Griffith: Claire Ganz

Ismail Umer: Lenny Ganz

Keith Carlson: Ernie Cusack

Becca Wilson: Cookie Cusack

Ian James: Glenn Cooper

Gwen Wells: Cassie Cooper

Joan Plummer: Officer Welch

Ellen Banach: Officer Pudney

Regan Carey: Myra's voice

Production Staff:

Natalie Mueller: producer/ director

Shannon March: assistant producer Nick France: executive technical director

Tom Waler: executive assistant technical director

Miranda Dashut: stage manager

Jeff Mayer: sound designer

Dan Crowley: sound operator

Jeff Schatz: light designer/ operator

Dorothy Jarman and Sarah Braun: costume heads

Tolu Taiwo and Lauren Ruvola: props heads

Sarah Zavoral: make-up head

Sarah Lipski and Lindsey March: house managers

Patricia Zentner: publicity head

Lauren Reyes: show photographer