Eight stars of Bravo’s The Real Housewives franchise will make their Off-Broadway debuts in a revival of Neil Simon’s Rumors early next year. The production, directed by Zhailon Levingston, will feature two separate casts across a limited run at the Newman Mills Theater.
The first cast features Lisa Rinna as Chris, Phaedra Parks as Claire, Stacey Rusch as Cookie and Dolores Catania as Cassie. Cynthia Bailey, Eileen Davidson, Carole Radziwill and Candiace Dillard-Bassett take over as Chris, Claire, Cookie and Cassie, respectively, for the second cast. The production marks the New York stage debut of seven of the eight women, and additional casting will be announced at a later date.
What is ‘Rumors’ about?
According to the official description, “Reality was just rehearsal. When four couples gather for a party in a wealthy New York suburb, they expect champagne, revelry, and a night of good fun. Instead, they find their host in an alarming state, his wife missing, and the police on their way. Talk about a dinner party from hell!”
Levingston said in a statement, “To me, Neil Simon’s comedy is a masterclass in the architecture of laughter, and I’ve long been baffled that this extraordinary play hasn’t received a major revival in recent years.” He added, “Without changing a single word of Simon’s brilliant text, we can reveal something new in the piece: The delicious chaos that unfolds when private lives become public spectacle.”
Levingston directs, and Benson Drive Productions (George Strus, CEO) produces. Jason Thinger is casting director, and Envoy Theatricals and Marty McGuire handle general management.
Rumors begins performances Jan. 9, 2027, at the Newman Mills Theater at The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space, 511 W. 52nd St., ahead of an official opening night on Jan. 25, 2027. The first cast performs Jan. 9 through Feb. 28, and the second cast performs March 2 through April 21 during the 14-week engagement.
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