Award-winning playwright Michael Frayn takes the British sex comedy to a new level with his farce, Noises Off. Brought to the University Theatre stage by director Farley Richmond, Noises Off depicts a dysfunctional theatre troupe in their increasingly futile attempts to stage the farce Nothing On. As the characters’ troubles onstage begin to blur with the actors’ mishaps backstage, the result is nothing short of a nervous breakdown. Winner of both the Evening Standard and the Olivier Awards for Best Comedy when it was first produced, Noises Off went on to enjoy a wildly successful run in England’s popular West End theatre district, and in 1992 was made into a film, starring Carol Burnett and Michael Caine.
“It’s all about doors,” says Richmond. “Doors, telephones, and way too many sardines. The cast plays a dysfunctional theatre troupe, who are putting on a farce about a dysfunctional family.”
As the boundaries break down between what is “real” and what is “acting,” hilarity ensues.
Noises Off deals with mildly adult humor and situations, and may not be appropriate for young children. Performances are Nov. 17-18 and Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre in the Fine Arts Building.
Regular admission is $12; admission for students and senior citizens with I.D. is $10. Tickets may be purchased beginning Nov. 3 at the box office in the lobby of the Fine Arts Building. The box office is open noon-5 p.m., weekdays.
Tickets also may be purchased at the theatre door beginning one hour prior to show time.
