Just wrapped up an absolutely fun, zany production of Neil Simon’s Rumors. The following reflects a tribute message to an amazingly talented, creative and resilient cast, director and production staff. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for giving me a chance to shape Chris by your sides! Love to you all.

We came together in mid-August to audition at 315 Fisher Road

As prepared as could be, in full stress mode.

We read lines with each other, many of us had never met.

Hopeful that weekend to impress and a good role to get.

 

As Actors our questions were so very many …

Who would be crazy enough with that monologue to audition for Lenny?

And could it be that we just might be the ones.

To get cast in GPT’s Rumors, by Neil Simon?

 

The Production Staff before us, adorned in shirts with show logo blazing,

The auditionees sat waiting, hoping our read would show we were amazing.

Then, with casting completed, the call finally came,

We rejoiced – and some squealed – glad we were chosen all the same.

 

The read-thru made it clear, Nehr and his team had done their job well

The script made us all laugh, and into place things quickly fell.

The cast of 10 came together, and rehearsals began

Our director’s first mantra … “Learn lines and get off book as fast as you can!”

 

Cynthia as Producer earned a Cast Clarence for keeping snacks flowing,

Nightly spreads were amazing, so the cast worked hard to keep waistlines from growing.

She kept us well fed and organized too

Signing us in and working alongside a great crew.

 

Arlene as Stage Manager watched the lines and our moves,

Ensuring success and keeping us to Neil Simon’s words true

Her attention to detail was top notch and so clear

In nightly line and blocking notes — thorough, thoughtful, and sincere.

 

Meanwhile our Director Jerry guided us to be mindful, listen and react

To work closely together in both the first and second act.

Delve into your role! Become someone new!

Worksheets for character and four nights a week spent molding us like dippity do!

 

After 35 three-hour rehearsals, our 315-stint complete,

We packed it all up, keeping everything nice and neat.

Our move to Liggett’s stage delayed, the cast of ten arrived en masse

To lift, carry, drill and work together, building Charley & Myra’s home of class.

 

Gordon worked quickly, joining the Staff a bit late

He and Jay handled building, sawing, and planning — Dave’s lovely set design to create.

They measured molding, panels, and floors, setting them up straight

Helping us to shape a living room that looked first rate!

 

Annie’s set dressing was lovely with white couches and soft chairs

Turquoise and fuschia accents, a bar and odd hangings gave the set flair.

A room with five doors dressed in style and class…

We’re so grateful Annie Had a Dream to join our Production Staff.

 

Tom carried many lights and added gels to them all too

Truly a talent, this one-man light crew!

Climbing the ladder to hang them in place

He made sure the audience could see every face.

 

Stephanie found costumes that screamed 1989

Tuxes, Russian gowns, jewels and dresses to take us elegantly back in time.

There was blood on shirts and Joan Collins Dynasty style

Her creativity made us look fabulous and we felt stunning all the while.

 

Jackie and Michele handled hair and make-up design

Making sure we looked timely with enough color to make us from the stage shine.

The make-up room banter and fun 80’s tunes

Helped us each night to get in the mood.

 

Lindsey managed props that included crystals, duck and a phone cord

That we tangled up nightly to keep the audience far from bored

She washed crystal glasses and filled vodka bottles too

And even made pasta for Ken to consume!

 

Jeff’s sound design was unique with groovy tunes for each pair

A creative addition requested by Nehr.

He got big laughs with telephones and toilets a-flushing.

And guns going off while our cast was crazily rushing.

 

Amidst Simon’s chaos filled with characters galore

The cast worked on the set, obsessed with curtains for the door.

In and out we traveled, careful not to doors slam

Such unique characters there were in this play, Gosh-damn!

 

Justin and George were new to GPT

As Ben Welch and Chuck Pudney they were so funny!

Justin with his big booming voice and George taking orders from the walky talky by his side.

We rehearsed p 76 to end pretty much every f*#*ing night!

 

Maddie as Cassie was sexy, intense and dramatic

Fighting for her crystals and working the room, her talent automatic

Storming about the stage, red hair all a-flowing

She wore a lovely evergreen gown — her long leg flirtatiously showing.

 

Jon brought a coolness to Glenn that was neat

Wait Wait … You Mean Me in a chill tone that couldn’t be beat.

With bloody handkerchief and drops in his eyes

Was Albany ready to the State Senate for him to rise?

 

Rebekah’s back spasms, Russian dress and crazy Jewish accent

Had the audience cackling, especially when in Crab Walk she bent.

Her character of Cookie flawless and cleverly shaped

She worked hair, ice bag and yoga with easy talent that made us all gape.

 

Noah our Ernie tried so hard to keep us all calm

His therapist tone, wart story and burnt hands that needed some balm.

His sudden outbursts that every night came

Our own dear Poopsie, who knew he played so many Board Games!

 

Ashley was lovely in her first non-musical path

Braving Lenny’s quips in elegance and trying so hard not to laugh

A Marilyn in every sense with Charm, Grace and Style

Her Hitler quip was turnabout … and earned her many a smile.

 

Nick had us rolling and amazed us each night

Deft at quips, working the 3-page monologue and nearly with Glenn starting a flight.

His ease with language and humor so smooth and so strong.

As Lenny he kept the audience laughing – We’re so glad he returned and ended the run with us strong!

 

Then there’s Kevin Fitzhenry, who came in script a-blazing

To work and learn Lenny lines days after his wedding was amazing.

The cast came together, that’s just what we do

It was all about teamwork, a strong bond thru and thru.

 

Jeff’s quirky Ken handled gun shots, stair-falls and deafness with ease

Enjoying a pasta dinner, that clearly seemed the audience to please.

His physical humor and command of the stage

Kept us all in stitches and made him all the rage.

 

As for me as Chris, I did lots of drinking

Vodka for me, with a phone cord, sent me into a couch sinking.

I ran ‘round the stage, anxious, in a tight dress and 3-inch silver heels

Keeping the audience wondering if at some point I would keel.

 

Then there’s our director, the great puzzle master

Who worked every scene, and bid dialogue clip louder and faster.

Who blocked and designed, and patiently listened

To questions and ideas as his GPT mainstage show we helped christen.

 

With Bountiful skill and ideas that kept flowing,

His ideas and direction kept us all going.

He reminded us that Chutzpah! is what we all share

To have fun as artists and entertain — and make the audience care.

 

He shaped us each into a new person in a very short time

“It’s an interesting thing, Acting,” and as Director he helped us to shine.

It takes a special quality to stand at the helm and guide actors here and there

We’re so grateful to him … Cheers to my friend, Jerry Nehr.

                                                                                            Jenni