Occidental’s theater department will put on productions of two comedies for their fall season: “Rumors,” written by Neil Simon, and “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” written by Selina Fillinger.
“Rumors” is directed by Wanlass Visiting Artist Tyrone Davis, who said he chose to put on this play because of his love for Simon’s comedic work.
“I thought it fit the student population here; there’s a lot of folks who have experience with improv and comedy,” Davis said. “I thought it would be nice to have a show to start the season that allows folks to have a great night in the theater and laugh.”
Davis said he has prior directing and producing experience at regional theaters as well as teaching at various universities.
“Oxy students have a great sense of comedy,” Davis said. “ A lot of their instincts were spot on, which made the job so much smoother and allowed us to hit the ground running [from] day one.”
According to cast member Finn Crumlish (sophomore), “Rumors” is a very funny and witty play that does not take itself too seriously.
“It’s a farcical comedy,” Crumlish said. “The comparison I always use is the ‘Clue’ movie from the 80s. It’s a very similar vibe of rich people messing around in a mansion, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Crumlish said that although he started acting in middle school, he had never been a part of productions as big as the ones at Occidental.
“I did a lot of Shakespearean acting, but it was very black box, small stage, minimal sets and props,” Crumlish said. “So it’s been very exciting to come here and do these big campus shows with amazing costumes and sets and lighting.”
Davis said he loves coming to rehearsals each day and witnessing the students’ growth throughout the journey of the production.
“It’s been such a joy to be a part of it and to watch the students grow each week, take in the notes, make discoveries and add new things to the world of this play,” Davis said.
“POTUS” is also a comedic play, but unlike Rumors, it contains an all-female cast, according to cast member Shelby Kernisant* (junior).
“It’s a lot of physical comedy, it’s a lot of great character dynamics,” Kernisant said. “Everyone in the show is so brilliant and poised and passionate.”
Kernisant said she had more experience with musicals, so being in a comedy was a bit daunting at first.
“Being in a comedy can be scary because you have to be funny,” Kernisant said. “But we’re at the point now where we’re making each other break. It’s helped us all gain confidence in ourselves.”
According to Kernisant, “POTUS” is a show that the current generation of college students will get a lot out of and relate to.
“It’s very modern, it feels very fresh,” Kernisant said. “This show ‘gets’ Gen Z in a very particular way, more so than any other show I’ve done at Oxy.”
Kernisant said she only knew one other cast member prior to rehearsals, but has since bonded with everyone in the production.
“I’m really lucky to say that everyone in the cast gets along swimmingly,” Kernisant said. “It’s a dream, a cast like this and vibes like this. I love what we’ve made together.”
Annelise Seligmann (junior) is the stage manager for “Rumors” and is in charge of much of the behind-the-scenes work.
“I run the rehearsals, make sure everyone is taking breaks and that we’re on track,” Seligmann said. “I’m really the bridge between the actors, directors and design; I’m doing a lot of that communication.”
Seligmann said it is often overlooked how much work goes into putting a production together by those outside of the theater world.
“There’s so many people putting love and effort into this,” Seligmann said. “There’s a million more people involved than you think there is.”
Kernisant said she has hopes of becoming an actor in the future and deeply values her experiences in each production she is a part of.
“I love being on stage,” Kernisant said. “I love working with people who care so much and are so incredibly passionate, kind and giving. When you’re in that space, you’re free to be as you are.”
Davis said he hopes that audiences will enjoy a night of entertainment and good storytelling when they attend the shows this fall.
“In the time that we’re living in right now, it feels like the world is a crazy place,” Davis said. “But you come into this theater and immerse yourself in this world and experience laughter, joy and appreciate really great writing, acting and directing.”
“Rumors” is running from Nov. 6-9 in Keck Theater. “POTUS” is running from Nov 20-23 in Keck Theater.
Contact Izzy Shotwell at shotwell@oxy.edu
*Shelby Kernisant is a staff member at The Occidental.
