Neil Simon’s farce “Rumors” will be staged at the Downtown Playhouse in Pocahontas in the coming weeks.  The comedy opens February 29 and runs through March 29.

“Rumors” is set in the suburbs of New York City.  Charlie, the deputy mayor of New York, has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are left to piece together what has happened.

Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken, and wife, Chris, must get the story straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

“Rumors” is directed by Kelly Grooms.  It is scheduled for performance February 29 and March 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 27, 28 and 29.

Tickets are $19.60, including tax, and the cost of admission also covers beverage and dessert.  There is a wide array of hot and cold beverages, and desserts include Triple Coconut Pie, Cookies & Cream Pie, Louisiana Crunch Cake and Sugar-Free Pudding Parfait.

To order tickets or for more information, go to thedowntownplayhouse.com or call 870-758-2282.

Photo attached: Tony Chappelear (left) and Katalina Holbrook rehearse on the set of “Rumors” at the Downtown Playhouse in Pocahontas.  Photo by Cyndi Barr.