NOISES OFF, the comic masterpiece by Michael Frayn, also prominent for his dramatic works "Benefactors", "Copenhagen", and "Democracy", is not one play, but two: the hilariously horrible British farce, "Nothing On", and the comedic nightmare that ensues backstage. Slamming doors, flying props, prat falls, sardines and TWO-STORY REVOLVING SETS abound as we see the first act of "Nothing On" presented three times, each with successively less attention to the script.
The under-rehearsed actors and technicians desperately try to perform even as their rapidly deteriorating relationships cause MASS HYSTERIA and make for some HYSTERICAL COMEDY both OFF-STAGE AND ON. They all quickly find that as they muddle through, the more they work to take control, the funnier and more CHAOTIC it gets! Noises Off is written with a wit and heart that allows it to be more than mere farce or parody of farce; it speaks to what we love about theatre and makes us laugh at our dramas, both onstage and off!
With Theo Adams, Cynthia Roberts, Avi Jacobson, Vince Faso, Jordan Kersten, Annika Bergman, Norman Macleod, Laura Peterson and Nick Dickson. Directed by Colin Johnson, a relative newcomer to the local scene, but already an accomplished director of numerous staged readings and his OWN SERIES OF SKETCH COMEDY shows under the rubric "BattleStache Studios". Assistant direction by so-resourceful Emily Buysee. Stage management by Hannah Tobin-Bloch. Set design by his frequent partner in crime Brian Quakenbush, and costumes by the ever-inventive Helen Slomowitz.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. There is a special rate of $10 for groups of 15 or more. Tickets are available through the Actors Ensemble of Berkeley website. Reservations for purchase at the door may be made by calling the box office at 510-649-5999 (cash or check only at the door).
Notes: Box office/will call opens 1/2 hour before start of show - located inside of the lobby. Cash or check only at the door. Wheelchair Accessible - use the north side lobby entrance.
