The More Erin Osgood Changes, the More Things Get Insane

Erin Osgood and Jim Moll (3rd and 4th from R) exchange knowing glances as attorney couple Chris and Ken Gorman

When we first meet Chris Gorman at the beginning of Rumors, she is frantically seeking her husband’s guidance to cope with a crisis. But perhaps more than any other character, Chris transforms during the course of the show.  Erin Osgood of Brighton describes her character as “the younger second wife to Ken. Both Chris and Ken are lawyers, although Chris is a contract lawyer. She married Ken for his money and power (he's a litigator).”   At first, Chris is pretty passive and reactive, literally parroting the words that her husband tells her to say into the phone.  But over the course of the show, she emerges as her own person.  

Erin describes Chris’ transformation as follows: “Chris is really fun to play. Once she is introduced at the beginning of the play, her character goes through many changes: trying to deal with what's happening, trying to cover it up, even becoming quite tipsy. By the end of the show, she is more blunt and less worried about appearances.”  Erin’s ability to transform a character speaks to her strength as an actor.  In her most recent role at the Barn, she played Lexie Richards in The Dixie Swim Club.  Like Chris, there was a depth of character to Lexie that surpassed your superficial first impression. 

Erin really wanted to be in Rumors “because of Neil Simon! I just love his work.  I also had the pleasure of working on another one of his works, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, while I lived in England. It's so wonderful to be on stage with a great ensemble. It has been such fun! We laugh and snort at each other throughout rehearsals.” Erin knows that audiences will be laughing out loud at this hilarious farce, saying, “Audiences will love this show because it's a non-stop party. Nothing is funnier than watching people stumble through chaos and the craziness that unfolds.”

Erin is no stranger to the Barn, first appearing over a decade ago as Lizzie Curry in The Rainmaker, which was also directed by Cynthia Tupper. Some of Erin’s other favorite roles include the title role in Hedda Gabler, Claire in Boston Marriage, Elaine Navazio in Last of the Red Hot Lovers, and Mrs. Cheveley in An Ideal Husband.  Erin admits to being a “closet writer” and is working on a play right now. She is a dedicated volunteer for the Make a Wish Foundation, saying, “It is truly amazing to be apart of making a child's wish come true after that child is dealing with things no one should have to deal with.”

The Farmington Players' production of Rumors opens tonight (April 25) and runs through May 17.  The show is proudly sponsored by TruVista Wealth Advisors.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the box office at 248-553-2955.