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| Nick Szczerba and Mary Ann Tweedie as the cutesy couple, Ernie and Cookie Cusack |
Rumors is
filled with rich characters:
“Rich” as in wealthy, and also as in complex, layered, and
multi-faceted. Of the four main
couples, Ernie Cusack (Nick Szczerba of Brownstown) and Cookie Cusack (Mary Ann
Tweedie of Novi) have the most loving relationship, and their pet names for
each other are sweet bordering on saccharine. Mary Ann describes her character Cookie as “a successful
cooking show host and the only one at this dinner party that actually likes her
husband. I like playing her
because she runs through many different emotions – from sweet, to snarky, to
clueless.” Cookie has a bad back,
which sporadically spasms, sending her into gyrations of pain. As Mary Ann
says, her “biggest challenge in this role is the physical humor that I have do
to. This may be my last show
falling on the floor and crawling around! It's not as easy as it used to be.”
Cookie is well matched with
Ernie, who is a successful psychologist.
Nick thinks “some may see Ernie as brow-beaten, but I see him as a man
who is truly in love with his wife, Cookie. I like playing Ernie, as he has
some funny moments and can get quite frantic at times. I especially like the
Second Act, where Ernie can just sit back and enjoy all the humor, action, and
fun.” This is actually Nick’s
third time in Rumors, having played
Lenny and directed the show previously. He wanted to be in it again “to
re-unite with some long-time theater friends and to prove to the Tuppers
[director Cynthia and set designer Brian] that I can walk through a door
without taking it off its hinges.”
Mary Ann is not surprised
that audiences have responded so well to this show, saying, “the dialog is
hilarious and there are so many funny moments, what's not to like? Farce is funny if it is fast and
loud. The fast pace really keeps
you on your toes as an actor, and you can't lose your concentration for a
minute. This show puts these wealthy people into ridiculous situations and
shows how silly they can be trying to avoid the truth.” Nick jokes that “people will enjoy Rumors for it's message: It has
none. You see, I believe that,
above all, theater should entertain – and it certainly does with this
cast. Farce is funny when the
actors truly commit to their parts.
I believe Mary Ann was the first to be committed.”
The
Farmington Players' production of Rumors
has three more performances: May 15, 16, and 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.
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