Fast-paced 'Rumors' opening in Glen Ellyn

#8220;The audience is so close, they're almost a part of the show,#8221; Director Carla Mutone said. #8220;My hope is that the audience feels like they've already been to this party, and they're just watching the antics that happen.#8221;

#8220;Rumors#8221; runs weekends and some Thursdays from Jan. 20 to Feb. 11 in Glen Ellyn.

Set in New York, four affluent couples arrive for a 10th anniversary party and discover chaos. The hostess and staff are missing and the host has accidentally shot himself in the earlobe.

#8220;It's got a lot of mistaken identities, people coming in and out of doors, and a lot of very energetic action,#8221; said Co-Producer Dave Dolnics. #8220;It's a very fast-paced play and very funny, too.#8221;

#8220;Rumors#8221; typically requires a large set with two floors and five different doors in and out, with enough room for furniture as well as the 10-member cast.

#8220;It was a challenge for the set building to be able to fit all those people on the stage, as well as doors in and out, but we made it work,#8221; Dolnics said.

As a result, the 54-seat theater becomes even more intimate with the audience essentially able to reach out and touch actors.

#8220;Because you're so close, it feels like you're a part of the play,#8221; he said.

Rumors includes a bit of adult language and humor as actors sort out the whodunit mystery.

Play organizers are so sure of the production's hilarity and resulting popularity that they've added several Thursday dates to accommodate additional patrons.

Catch #8220;Rumors#8221; at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Village Theatre Guild, 3S020 Park Blvd., with three additional shows at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 and 9.