Neil Simon’s comedy “Rumors” was an excellent start to the fall 2014 university theater season. I have seen several productions at the Vonnie Borden Theatre throughout my time at Southeastern, but this one might have topped them all with the hilarious text, energetic performances and evocative sets and costumes.

The set design and costumes reflected 1980s excess with their bold colors and gaudy touches. However, they also seemed natural, not at all like a cartoon vision of the ‘80s, which they easily could have been. The lack of stereotyping in the production design makes the silly antics of the performers all the more hilarious to watch.

This cartoonish aspect of the production was fully embodied in its foolish and materialistic characters, each of which was played with great skill by the enthusiastic cast. The standout performers were Larry Heard as Ken the lawyer, Angela Griffitt as Claire and MJ Ricks as Claire’s husband, Lenny. These three showcased absolute manic vitality in their scenes. Heard brought a great amount of physicality to his role and reacted to the insanity of the plot with a plethora of hilarious expressions. Griffitt’s line deliveries were always perfect, whether delivered with dry wit or anxious energy. Ricks in particular never let up, drawing hearty laughter and spontaneous applause from the audience after his character puts all of his energy into telling an over-the-top story to the bemused cops played by Justin and Keisha Davis.

I have only two criticisms about this production. The sound effects were weak and should have had their volume amplified in order to have more of an impact on the audience. When sounds such as a gunshot or glass breaking are so soft and barely audible, the characters’ severe reaction to them feels unmerited in comparison.

Then there is the lack of a sense of mounting chaos, which is desirable when doing farce comedy. Some of the players are already overly cartoonish from the moment they first appear, taking some of the edge off of later scenes where events gradually become crazier and crazier. 

These flaws did not mar the production overall. The cast and crew have done “Rumors” more than enough justice, and I imagine it will be a tough act to follow.