The cast of NOISES OFF running at Strath Haven High School in Wallingford PA through November 20.
OK, guys and gals, moms and dads, kids, I know it’s not savvy to make dates at the last minute (you know what I mean … be polite and all that) … but you have my personal permission (yes, redundant) to hurry up and get that date going NOW to see NOISES OFF (or NOTHING ON … depending on how you want to see it, or your mood, or where your head is … just stay with me on this). I’ll even plan your night … pizza (your choice), 7:30PM show at Strath Haven High School, ice cream (where Bill Battey’s used to be … Bruster’s for me, in case you ask me). Are you on it yet? Just trust me … you don’t have much time … three more evenings including tonight.
NOISES OFF, a British comedy by Michael Frayn, is ridiculously funny, a bedroom farce no less. But clean funny! You almost don’t even have to understand what’s going on. One only needs to bring a huge sense of humor and maybe a seatbelt to keep you from rolling onto the floor. Laughter is contagious; I can only imagine every seat filled and the actors being so charged up that they would have difficulty even containing (or constraining) themselves. In fact, with that scenario I’m up for going to see it again!
Ever wonder what’s going on behind the scenes of a production where “quiet” is what’s supposed to be happening? Ever just concentrate on a door and wonder what’s occurring behind that door? To keep you less confused (???), allow me to clue you in. Basically, it’s a play within a play. Hope that helps.
In Act One, we get to see a last minute rehearsal of the performance of NOTHING ON. The director, played by Andrew Perricone, is so “real” and “temperamental” that he had me jumping! (And when you stood up slowly without a word, I fell out!) Kara McGee, as the maid of the household, I don’t know what was funnier, you or the bunny slippers you were swishing around in (I know, don’t end a sentence with a preposition … I’m rushing here!). Kalev Rudolph as Frederick Fellowes, you’re lunatic-ky hysterical. I’m thinking you’re going to go far in life with that “attitude”. Keep me posted.
Let’s slide into Act Two. We’re now on the other side of the whole set. And, let me say, that set was drop dead incredible!! Peter Knoble (Construction Head) and Youki Sato (Backstage Head) … double yikes! The most fascinating second act I’ve ever seen! You all must have had the time of your lives! Your effort to pull that off was not wasted on me and my guest. Selsdon Mowbray, portrayed by Mike Fackenthall … holy Toledo! Do you keep everyone laughing around you?
Act Three … well, just tighten that seatbelt. Now we’re back to the production of NOTHING ON and all heck breaks loose. Maybe you better bring tissues, too. Add to this melée of madness are the characters of Kyle Floyd as Garry Lejeune, Rachel Pallmeyer as sexy Brooke Ashton, Meghan Hadley as Poppy Norton-Taylor, Sami Simons as Belinda Blair (perfect!) and Dylan Harrington as Tim Algood.
Allison Emmerich, you did a fantastic job as director of NOISES OFF. You did what a smart director should do … bring out the individual personalities of each performer and make them memorable. Sitting here doing this, I can clearly see the whole show again. I’m still chuckling.
‘Nuff said … you don’t want to miss this high energy production. It’s a super opportunity for discussions with family and friends so save your program and really read it. It alone is entertaining and can shed some light on questions you might have. And it’s a great chance to support the theatrical talents of your classmates. After all, you go to their sporting events, eh?
Bring a can of sardines … you might get hungry …
Until the next show …
NOISES OFF!
by Michael Frayn
Directed by Allison Emmerich
November 17, 18, 19, 20, 2011
Strath Haven High School
205 S. Providence Rd.
Wallingford, PA 19086
610.892.3470
https://www.facebook.com/events/200595103349993/
