Simon’s ‘Rumors’ a Fast-Paced Sendup

If you’re in the mood to get goofy and giggle, Neil Simon’s “Rumors” at the Whitefire Theatre is a good bet. Simon’s answer to French farce--without the sex--”Rumors” is a frenetically paced sendup of shallow, wealthy New York suburbanites poised on the brink of scandal. Indubitably fluffy, Simon’s play may not stick to your ribs--but what it lacks in depth, it makes up in structure.

A difficult genre, farce relies upon hair-trigger timing and sheer bombast. Judging from his tightly wound staging, director Richard Kline understands the importance of absolute precision in such an ephemeral undertaking, as do his seasoned performers, all of whom remain in rigorous control throughout the apparent chaos.

Shortly before an ill-fated anniversary celebration, one of the hosts receives a superficial bullet wound. A suicide or murder attempt? Possibly. A scandal? Certainly--if the news gets out. Bernie Kopell displays impressive savoir-faire as a beleaguered accountant struggling to cover up this unpleasant surprise. As a friend fed up with doing damage control, Stephanie Faracy is particularly appealing.

EC2’s stylish costumes convey the champagne tastes of this privileged clique. One wonders, however, why Victoria Profitt’s handsome set includes two vertical glass windows by the front door--hardly a logical place to lurk.

* “Rumors,” Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends Aug. 18. $20. (213) 466-1767. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.