Farce (n.) a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.
Throughout the performance of Rumors, by Neil Simon, the elements of farces are clearly seen. We have violent horseplay, doors opening and closing, and telephones ringing consistently. We have mistaken identity, and to top it off, we have an extremely improbable situation complete with ridiculous solutions. However, the main element of a farce and what makes Rumors an exemplary farce is the
theme of underlying sadness throughout the show. When we look past the hilarious one-liners and hysterical running gags, we notice more serious elements such as marital sexism, marital affairs, suicide
and extreme narcissism and self-obsession. That the late Neil Simon could take these very serious elements and create a farce is a tribute to his genius.
--Mary Grace von Thron, Lead Dramaturg
--Emily Saunders, Assistant Dramaturg
