Metea Valley High School Theater Presents: Noises Off

The curtain will rise on the 2016-2017 Metea Valley High School (MVHS) theater season with the student production of Noises Off, a hilarious romp through the ups and downs of live theater, November 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m.

Written by English playwright Michael Frayn, Noises Off is a play within a play. The ambitious yet temperamental director, Lloyd, is played by MVHS senior RJ Schlesinger. Lloyd does his best to direct his troupe of mediocre actors and produce a successful show.

Lloyd directs Dotty, played by junior Allison Carter, an actress financially invested in the show. Dotty is dating Gary, played by sophomore Rich Lazatin, a passionate actor. Lloyd also does his best to direct Freddy, played by senior Jason Zerafa, who has some difficulty understanding his surroundings; Vicki, played by freshman Elena Buscher, who can't survive without a script; Belinda, played by senior Mary Carter, who can't help but get in everyone's business; and Selsdon, played by senior Daniel Grumbine, a veteran actor who has a few “issues.” The tech crew tries to hold it all together – Poppy, played by senior Julia Jansen, and Tim, played by senior Ethan St. Germain, are leaned on to their breaking points.

“Noises Off is a highly-entertaining show that takes the audience through the trials of production rehearsals and the relationships that form during the process,” said Matt Wolski, director. “It's all sunshine and rainbows…until it isn't. As the show goes on the road, relationships are strained and chaos ensues both on and backstage. Our production will have our audiences in stitches.”

Although the cast of 16 actors and approximately 15 tech crew members have been working since early September to bring Noises Off to the Metea Valley stage, according to Wolski, Noises Off has been the choice since last year’s fall play, Harvey, closed. “We wanted to do a show that was fun for the kids, modern, and was very different from the traditional play,” Wolski said. “Noises Off was that show – something the kids would enjoy, showcase their incredible talent, and push them to expand their abilities as comedic actors.”

Wolski explains that although the audience will be laughing, many don’t realize Noises Off, like other British farses, is incredibly difficult for the actors. “From the intense marathon-like physicality and energy needed to perform the show, to developing and creating the character within the character, the students have stepped up and pushed themselves to develop these characters and all the layers that come with building this show: accents, physicality, slapstick comedy, intense pace and timing,” Wolski said.

Wolski encourages everyone in the community to come to the MVHS production and support local, live theater. “It promises to have an evening of entertainment with Monty Python-esque humor, a set that rivals professional theaters, and actors that are immensely talented,” Wolski said.

Performances will take place in the MVHS Auditorium (1801 North Eola Road, Aurora) November 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2704375) or at the door beginning at 6 p.m. the night of the show.

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MVHS Theater At-a-Glance

What: Noises Off

When: November 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m.

Where: Metea Valley High School Auditorium

1801 North Eola Road

Aurora, IL

Tickets: Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online or at the door beginning at 6 p.m. prior to the performance.

Information: www.meteamusic.org/theater