Neil Simon's Rumors

Every year at Saint Joe's the performing arts program puts on two shows, a musical in the winter and a non-musical in the spring. This year the shows were the musical West Side Story and the comedic play Rumors.  “Working on a comedy like Rumors was great fun and a wonderful contrast to performing last winter's musical drama West Side Story.  We shared many laughs as we explored the world of farce.” said Frank Ingrasciotta (Director). Frank had an impressive year winning multiple nominations for SJR shows West Side Story and Ordinary People. The performing arts program is a huge part of our school and is supported and encouraged by the students and staff.

Danny C who plays the leading man in the show Ken G will sadly have his last ever performance on the SJR stage. “This play is a great time, it's so much fun to do a farce. It took a ton of work, especially with the lines but the hard work paid off. Overall it was an amazing experience and very special for my senior year.” Danny C‘17 said. Being a part of the performing arts all four years at Saint Joe's he is ending on a very high note with his killer performance in the Show.

“This show is a Farce Comedy written by playwright Neil Simon. It's about the friends of the mayor of New York (Charlie Brock) who tried to cover up his suicide attempt.” said Charlie  ‘18. Neil simon is a very famous playwright who is also know for Brighton Beach Memoirs that was the SJR show did three years ago. Rumors is a type of comedy known as a farce which means to grab audiences with extravagant and improbable situations. Rumors involves convoluted lies and excuses to cover up the fact that there was an attempted suicide of a high ranking government official. The show itself is high paced and witty with plenty of intriguing plot points.

“Being double casted gives more people the opportunity to do the shows at Saint Joe's. It's an essential part of the learning experience at SJR.” Nathaniel T ‘18 said. Nate and Mark  ‘20 are double casted in the show as the part of Ernie C. Double casting gives more students the chance to learn about theater and participate in both the musical and non-musicals that are presented at Saint Joe's.

The people who experience the opportunities that the theater program provides prove to be life changing  “This is my thirteenth SJR show and I am so thankful for all of the experiences that this program has offered me. I have met my best friends here and I am the person I am today because of it!” said Emma P ‘17 of Northern Highlands. Having an experienced performer like Emma who isn’t even enrolled at SJR (for obvious reasons) is something truly special. She has been a great personality in the program, filling the shoes of many characters on the Saint Joe's stage. 

While the first weekend of shows is already over there is still time to see the performances on Friday, May 5th and on Saturday, May 6th. Coming off of a great first weekend of performances the students are more than eager to perform for another intrigued audience.