By Amanda VanNostrand.
Prepare for pure comedic entertainment as Noises Off embraces the stage at Walnut Street Theatre now through April 29th. The perfect show to view as winter turns to spring, this production contains all the brilliance required to chase any and all end-of-season blues away. Noises Off is ingeniously written, hysterically funny, and it should not be missed.
Noises Off brings the audience behind the scenes to witness three crucial perspectives of the play, Nothing On. There are three scenes: the first, where the audience is introduced to the actors/characters at midnight the night before the first show as they desperately try (okay, maybe half-heartedly try) to get down their lines, places, costumes, props, etc.; the second, somewhat over stimulating scene where the audience is taken backstage as the show runs in real time on the opposite side of the set; and the last, where the show has been in production for a number of months and the audience witnesses what happens when actors in a play spend too much time together yet still attempt to act. Though the plot may not sound wholly engaging, it is important to note that each character has his or her own quirks, and by the end of the night viewers may feel as if they have known each person on the stage for quite some time. Whether it is which love triangle the character is involved in, how said characters deal with betrayal and jealousy, or the intellectual capacity of said characters, each idiosyncrasy brings laugh upon laugh upon laugh (upon laugh).
The writing of this show is ingenious. One can only marvel at how English playwright Michael Frayn was able to compose such a complex piece. As the audience views one show from three different viewpoints, it is awe-inspiring to watch, as main portions remain consistent while each character’s quirks and flaws bring about laughable changes and mistakes that create an altogether loveable performance.
To the delight of frequent Philadelphia theatregoers, many familiar faces show up in Noises Off. Ben Dibble returns as Garry Lejeune as Roger Tramplemain, and his ease on the stage is as obvious and enjoyable to watch as ever. Mary Martello plays Dotty Otley as Mrs. Clackett and her eccentric character is perfectly portrayed, as, no matter how many repeated walks back and forth on stage (or how many times her character yells the word ‘sardines’), not once does she skip a beat. An absolute favorite would have to be Alanna J. Smith, who plays Brooke Ashton as Vicki. This poor actress spends most of the time in just her underwear, and one can hope that in the future, as her acting skills are incredible, she will hold a deeper role in Philadelphia sometime soon! Though her character’s role cannot be described as ‘deep’ this time, she certainly steals the stage and many of the laughs. Vicki’s character is not the sharpest, and she repeatedly sparks laughter as her oblivious charm (and Ashton’s popping contact lenses) create hysterical scenes. At one point while each of the other characters are improvising, Ashton (Smith) spouts each line word for word from her script, creating an incredibly memorable, laughable scene. Smith also pretends to be a mediocre actress in her role as Vicki and does it perfectly. While the cast of Nothing On should certainly not look for their names on a list of Barrymore nominations anytime soon, Noises Off brings about an all-around splendid cast.
Scenic design (Robert Koharchik) is well done, and consists of two sets: the set of the Brents’ country home, complete with flowered couches and pictures on the walls and doors to bathrooms, closets, bedrooms, and offices; and the backstage set, where the backside of each door and window is labeled and the audience is given a new meaning to behind-the-scenes. It is a pleasant surprise when, at the very start of Act Two, the entirety of the set rotates and the result is the reverse of our initial setting. Koharchik’s work is brilliant as, in the second act, the audience is given splendid views of the backstage while simultaneously viewing snippets of the goings-on of the other side as the show proceeds. Sound design (Elizabeth Atkinson) should be mentioned as well, as Noises Off, especially in Act One, gives off authenticity of the perfecting of theatre. The Director’s (Greg Wood) voice can be heard in Act One as the cast makes mistake after mistake (forgets sardine after sardine) and the addition of voice-overs and character reactions adds to the supposed reality of each situation.
Reviews of comedies can’t help but include the words funny, hysterical, laugh out loud, etc. Noises Off, however, truly deserves these sentiments. This show will bring laughs, giggles, and chuckles galore. Certainly worth every penny and minute you’ll spend on it, Noises Off is spectacular and should not be missed.
Advisory: Strong language
Running Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes with one 15 minute intermission
Noises Off will be playing at Walnut Street Theatre (825 Walnut Street Phialdelphia, PA 19107) until April 29th. For tickets call the box office at (215) 574-3550 or click here.