8 Iconic “Real Housewives” Stars“ ”Join Forces for Off-Broadway Revival of Neil Simon’s “Rumors” (Exclusive)

Eight prominent stars from Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise are set to grace the stage in a new Off-Broadway adaptation of Neil Simon’s beloved comedy, *Rumors*. The production will feature two distinct casts and is scheduled to commence performances in January 2027.

The announcement, made exclusively to PEOPLE, reveals that the revival will take place at the Newman Mills Theater, located within the Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space. Acclaimed Tony Award winner Zhailon Levingston will take the helm as director, adding an exciting touch to this theatrical undertaking. Notably, this production marks the New York stage debut for seven of the eight female leads.

The first cast group will include Lisa Rinna and Phaedra Parks, who both have strong ties to *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills* and *Atlanta* respectively, alongside Stacey Rusch from *The Real Housewives of Potomac* and Dolores Catania from *The Real Housewives of New Jersey*. These four will perform from January 9 through February 28, 2027.

Following their run, a second cast will take the stage consisting of Cynthia Bailey and Eileen Davidson from *Atlanta* and *Beverly Hills*, Carole Radziwill from *New York City*, and Candiace Dillard-Bassett also from *Potomac*. These performances are set to occur from March 2 through April 21.

Although Rinna is the only cast member with Broadway experience, having starred as Roxie Hart in *Chicago* back in 2007, several others also boast impressive acting backgrounds. Davidson is a two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner with significant roles in *Days of Our Lives* and *The Young and the Restless*. Dillard-Bassett has made appearances in scripted series like *Hush* and *Family Reunion*, and Bailey’s credits include *BMF* and *Single Drunk Female*. Parks recently guest-starred on ABC’s *Will Trent*, showcasing her versatility in both reality and scripted formats.

The original iteration of *Rumors* debuted on Broadway in November 1988 and ran for an impressive 535 performances across the Broadhurst and Ethel Barrymore Theatres. It featured a star-studded cast including Christine Baranski, who won a Tony Award for her role as Chris Gorman, and highlights a storyline where a group of couples navigate a chaotic dinner party marked by secrets and misunderstandings.

In this new production, Rinna and Bailey will alternate in portraying Chris Gorman, while Parks and Davidson will play Claire Ganz, a sharp socialite. Rusch and Radziwill will take on the role of Cookie Cusack, an eccentric television chef, and Catania and Dillard-Bassett will embody Cassie Cooper, a glamorous wife facing marital troubles. Each actress will be joined by their characters’ husbands, with details regarding those roles yet to be announced.

Zhailon Levingston expressed his enthusiasm for blending Neil Simon’s classic work with the vibrant world of the Real Housewives. He articulated that merging these two worlds provides an opportunity to captivate a fresh audience while preserving the integrity of Simon’s text. Levingston fondly recalls his childhood experience with *Rumors*, reminiscing about the infectious laughter that filled the theatre and hopes to evoke that same sense of joy in today’s audiences.

Levingston’s vision for the production is to celebrate the timelessness of Simon’s writing while allowing the laughter to resonate amidst societal divisions. He aims to engage a newer generation with the exhilarating feeling that the original work inspired, emphasising its great humour and enduring relevance.

Produced by Benson Drive Productions, tickets for *Rumors* are expected to begin at £79. An exclusive presale for American Express cardholders will begin on October 27 and run until October 29, with a separate presale on TodayTix commencing the following day. General ticket sales are slated to open on October 30. Further details can be found on the show’s official website, paving the way for what promises to be an entertaining and memorable theatrical experience.