Neuqua's 'Rumors' shoots for big laughs in small space

Bring a stick of gum or maybe a breath mint.

Even in the audience, you'll be close to the action in Neuqua Valley High School's “Rumors.” The fall production, which opens at 7 p.m. today, is being staged in the school's Black Box Theater a smaller venue next to the main auditorium.

The smaller-than-usual setting leaves little room to avoid the truth in Neil Simon's farce about a deputy mayor who shoots himself through the earlobe.

It's the first time Neuqua's fall main stage production has been taken into the Black Box.

“We're trying to promote a more intimate show to really showcase the talent of the actors,” Director Ryan Leist said.

With nine cast members and just six crew members, it's nothing like a typical Neuqua production with dozens of people involved.

While bigger may sometimes be better, that doesn't always hold true in theater, actors say.

“(In the main auditorium) we feel like there's something missing,” said junior Mark Yacullo, who plays Lenny Ganz. “You don't get the full version. You're too far away to see what we're doing. You get a better chance to understand the play a little bit more and how our characters are.”

A tight-knit ensemble in a tight-knit theater means cast members at times will literally be on top of the audience.

With a minimalist one-piece set and simple lighting, the focus is all on the acting.

The closeness creates a great chemistry as friends of the deputy mayor arrive and attempt to cover up the shooting.

“It's really good to play off of the audience and their laughter,” said junior Rachel Winter, who plays Claire Ganz. “It helps keep the show going with the really good energy.”

Leist said preparing teenagers to play the roles and portray the comedy of 30-somethings has been his greatest joy directing the production.

“Their characters' humor is clearly different from someone their age,” he said. “We've worked on wordplay and the sarcasm, in terms of how it's to be delivered. They've experienced a lot of belly laughs.”

“Rumors” begins at 7 p.m. today through Saturday in Neuqua Valley's Black Box Theater. Tickets are $5.

For information, call (630) 428-6380.

If you go

<p>What: “Rumors,” Neuqua Valley High School's fall play</p>

<p>When: 7 p.m. today to Saturday, Nov. 18-20</p>

<p>Where: Neuqua Valley High School's Black Box Theater, 2360 95th St., Naperville</p>

<p>Cost: $5 </p>

<p>Info: (630) 428-6380</p>