The Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse
Written by Neil Simon
Directed by Marshelle Giggles-Mills
Produced by Suzanne Ryan
Production Set Design/ASM by Viktor Pacheco-Espinoza
Sound and Lighting Design by Matt Worland
Additional Set Construction by Jessica Worland
Graphic Design by Aris Kakkis
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This performance contains strong language, loud noises, and simulated gunshots.
This performance may be unsuitable for children.
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Rumors premiered at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego, California) on September 22, 1988. It opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 17, 1988 and transferred to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre where it closed after 535 performances and eight previews. Directed by Gene Saks, the original cast included Mark Nelson, Lisa Banes, Christine Baranski, Andre Gregory, Ken Howard, Ron Leibman, Joyce Van Patten, and Jessica Walter.
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​​​​​​​​RUMORS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
​THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITEDSTATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists​​​​
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Cast of Characters
(In Order of Appearance)
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Chris Gorman ~ Ally Milder
Ken Gorman ~ Matt Worland
Claire Gantz ~ Ana Luiza Bourroul
Lenny Gantz ~ Jacob Bryant
Cookie Cusack ~ Cassie Carpenter
Ernie Cusack ~ John Lopez
Cassie Cooper ~ Melanie Xanthos Goldstein
Glenn Cooper ~ Eric Trigg
Officer Welch ~ Johnathan Buzane
Officer Pudney ~ Tony Dizoglio
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There will be a 15 Minute Intermission
Meet the Cast
Ally Milder (Chris Gorman)
Ally was born and raised in Virginia and moved to LA two years ago to finish her BFA Acting degree. She has performed in numerous plays and musicals ranging from Shakespeare to Sondheim and is so excited to be doing her first Neil Simon. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and enthusiasm and for simply being the best humans in the world - so much love! This performance is dedicated to Richard. Love and miss you and thank you for sharing your passion for Neil Simon, it was thoroughly contagious.
Ana Luiza Bourroul (Claire Gantz)
Ana Luiza Bourroul is an up-and-coming actress, singer, and tap dancer born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. She graduated with honors from AMDA College for the Performing Arts in 2023 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. On screen she has performed in movies such as Moxie, Yes Day, and The Prom; as well as TV shows, music videos, and commercials. On stage she originated the role of Gladys in Boom Headshot: A Geek Tragedy, winning the Encore Award for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Ana Luiza is honored to be returning to the CSHP stage being a part of other CSHP productions including Hands on a Hardbody and Things My Mother Taught Me. Prior to pursuing acting she studied architecture in Brazil. She is based in Los Angeles.
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Cassie Carpenter (Cookie Cusack)
A native of Los Angeles, Cassie's early experiences in community theater laid the foundation for her profound love and commitment to acting. She further honed her craft by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Theater from California State Channel Islands. Cassie's professional journey is marked by a series of performances in notable Los Angeles theater productions. Beyond the stage, Cassie has explored the realms of film and television, with a memorable performance in the film Alien Vacation among her favorites. When not acting, Cassie can often be seen hiking the trails of Griffith Park with her canine companion or reading a book at home with her pet tarantula, Calypso.
Melanie Xanthos Goldstein (Cassie Cooper)
Melanie (she/her) is thrilled to be returning to CSHP, after appearing as Helen in their Spring 2023 production of Fun Home. Melanie has also recently appeared in a staged reading of the new musical The Breakup Girl, as well as many cabaret and open mic performances. Melanie lives in Westchester with her amazing husband, two beautiful kids and adorable puppy, and she's incredibly grateful to her family for encouraging her to follow her happiness. Go Bruins!
Johnathan Buzane (Officer Welch)
Johnathan Buzane is an actor from Yuma, Az. A recent graduate of the New York Film Academy, this will be his first performance outside of school. He appreciates all the support from his loved ones.
Matt Worland (Ken Gorman)
Matt is extremely excited to be performing his first full role with this amazingly talented cast and crew! Having previously played the Bailiff in Twelve Angry Jurors and Dr. Stokes in Hands on a Hardbody at CSHP, Matt typically plies his craft behind the scenes making sure that things run smoothly. Being in the center of everything on stage has been an absolute blast, and he is very much enjoying an immensely delayed “theatre kid” era. Matt would like to thank his wife, Jess, for encouraging this sort of behavior, his family for the lifetime of love and care, and the CSHP production team (especially Marshelle) for giving him this opportunity.
Jacob Bryant (Lenny Gantz)
This is Jacob Bryant’s acting debut and his first stage play performance. He has always wanted to be an actor since he was a kid and will continue to pursue acting for the foreseeable future.
John Lopez (Ernie Cusack)
John returns to the Charles Stewart Howard Stage after 8 years, and it's good to be back. Last on this stage, he was Agwe in Once on This Island. He has performed with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles for 5 years. He could also be seen in La Boheme with Mission Opera, as well as serving as their Stage Manager for Cosi Fan Tutti. Thank you, Marshelle and Suzanne, for welcoming me back. Let's put on a great show.
Eric Trigg (Glenn Cooper)
Eric is excited to make the move to Los Angeles after ten years of theater on Long Island and ten years in San Diego. Favorite roles include Dale in Cuckoo's Nest, Hannay in 39 Steps, Ken in Rumors, Axel in The Nerd, Mortimer in Arsenic & Old Lace, Richard in Fuddy Mears, Senator Fipp in Urinetown, George in All My Sons, The Pharaoh in Joseph ATATD, Charles in Romance in D, Paul in My Three Angels, and Barry in Boys Next Door. When he's not onstage, Eric spoils his two greyhounds. Many thanks to Marshelle, Suzanne & the entire cast. Love to my Kitten.
Tony Dizoglio (Officer Pudney)
Tony Dizoglio is an Italian American actor from Smithfield, Rhode Island who recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. This will be his first theatre performance and he’s very excited for you all to see the show we’ve put together tonight.
Production and Creative Team
Marshelle Giggles-Mills (Director,
CSHP Board Member)
Marshelle is thankful for another opportunity to create on the Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse stage. She is a founding member and the Artistic Director of the CSHP. Recent projects in the director's seat include Fun Home, A Piece of My Heart and The Theory of Relativity. Marshelle is best known for her love of ladybugs, fuzzy socks, her allergies and her fear of squirrels and Craigslist (shoutout to her 6th favorite Collica). Love and gratitude to Doug and her kiddos--Ruby, Bubba, and AJ--for their unyielding support. For more random thoughts and carefully organized chaos, you can stop by her Instagram @meshagiggles.
Suzanne Ryan (Producer, CSHP Board Member)
Suzanne is a founding member of the CSHPlayhouse. She grew up performing on stage and got distracted for a bit by the responsibilities of raising a family before returning to performing while living on Cape Cod. After moving to LA and looking for a local community theater, she decided to try creating one. The CSHP is the result of that decision, now entering our 13th year. She is thankful for the WHCC for giving us a space and a community of support and friendship. And she is thankful for her fellow board members, Larry and Marshelle, who are creative geniuses. Hope you enjoy the show tonight!
Viktor Pacheco-Espinoza (Production Set Designer and ASM)
Víctor Pacheco-Espinoza is an CSHP Alum. You might have seen him in the heartfelt musical Hands on a Hardbody as Jesus. This is Viktor’s first time being part of a creative team as Set Designer/ASM and it has been a lot of fun. He would like to thank the CSHP team for this opportunity and trust to grow within the theatre to create some magic. Congratulations to the cast of Rumors, you have created something hilariously fun. Enjoy the show!
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Thank you!
Aris Kakkis
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Jessica Worland
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Radar Trigg
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Woodland Hills Community Church Leadership Team
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Erika Hawkins
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Much appreciation to the Mills, Worland, Collica, and Ryan families (and all our cast member's families!) for their love and support.
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​H. W. ‘Pat’ Ryan, Technical Director (Emeritus)
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Thanks always to the CSHP Board of Directors (Suzanne Ryan, Larry Collica, and Marshelle Giggles-Mills).
The Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse (CSHP)
cshplayhouse@gmail.com www.cshplayhouse.org
@cshplayhouse
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