Cyndi Loza

One of Americas most celebrated comedies, “Rumors,” will be preformed tonight by North Valleys High School students.

The students in the play will present the story of the antics that arise after four affluent couples arrive at a party to find the host has shot himself.

“So many comedies today are so wildly exaggerated, but this one is about very smart, successful people put in a situation wbere they are completely out of their element and they just behave so stupidly,” said Brent Matthews, the director and drama teacher. “It’s just fun to watch.”

The play will start at 7 p.m. tonight at North Valleys High School, 1470 East Golden

Valley Road. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for non-students.

“This has always been one of my favorite plays, and it is one that’s been on my list to do for years and years,” Matthews said. “I think the kids are doing a terrific job with it. It’s a lot of fun.”

The play focuses on four couples who are at a townhouse for the 10th wedding anniversary of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife. The party comes to a screeching halt after the host shoots himself in the head, causing a minor flesh wound, and his wife is missing. Doors slam and hilarity abounds when, given their social status, the couples try to conceal the evening’s events from the local police and media.

“Rumors” is among on of the most popular plays performed by high school productions according to the International Thespian Society. It was written by American comic playwright Neil Simon.

“There’s just so many great lines and great situations,” Matthews said. “Neil Simon is so good at that type of comedy.”