Herndon High School's production of "Rumors," by Neil Simon is sure to shine on stage because the cast includes a number of seasoned student actors who have entertained the school and community in several earlier plays. Paris Lofaro will be remembered for her endearing portrayal of Rusty in "Footloose." Adam Spalletta and Wayne Jacques sang a rollicking "Mama Says, You Can't Back Down" in "Footloose," in the Spring of 2003.
Senior Will Smith's versatility in acting ranges from his comic portrayal of Nicely Nicely Johnson in "Guys and Dolls" to his wistful rendering of Joe Zutty, an older man coming to terms with retirement, in "Working". Tommy Linn, also a senior, has engaged the audience with his wonderful singing voice in "Guys and Dolls," and his portrayal of an eccentric Charlie Blossom in "Working." Tommy now steps forward in a character role to play Glen Cooper in Neil Simon's tale where identities are strangely tangled. Sarah Azzinaro, another senior, who is chameleon in her ability to find just the right voice for her characters, takes the part of Cookie Cusack in "Rumors." Jackie Gudgel, having performed in "Working" and Jen Vogel, the saucy Betty Blast of "Footloose" both bring several years of participation in the drama program to "Rumors."
These Neil Simon masterpieces, which are being directed by students Rachel Heyd, for "Rumors," and Mike Mauren, Zain Afzal and Mehdi Raoufi for "Plaza Suite" under the guidance of drama teacher John Whapham, provide an opportunity to learn behind-the-scenes production as well as on-stage action. Stepping off the stage from his excellent portrayal of the Rev. Shaw Moore in "Footloose," to producer, the talented Jason Najjoum has high hopes for Herndon High School's fall productions of "Rumors" and "Plaza Suite."