review: noises off @ JPAS

A play about a play within a play…done playfully: Noises Off

Noises Off at Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Review by Todd Perley

Michael Frayn’s timeless 1982 “Noises Off” rollicks and bumbles (in a good way) at JPAS through 4/21. This tightly-written comedy follows a traveling theater troupe rehearsing and performing a farce. Each of the eight characters are archetypes of the theater world, complete with various neuroses and shortcomings.

Act I is the dress rehearsal…run poorly…and we get to know our cast and crew, as well as see a glimpse of the play they’re putting on. Best to listen to their material as we’re going to visit it again in progressively advanced states of decay (the endless plates of sardines will become the ninth character.) The merry players are supportive of their fellow cast members’ flaws and mistakes. Just a happy family putting on a show, tra-la!

In Act II, a month later, we watch behind the scenes at a performance as the relationships amongst the once-chummy cast start to fall apart. “Start to fall apart” is perhaps a bit mild. They engage in fights, sabotage…and there’s an axe. Ahhh, the theater! Act II is a stunningly-choreographed, complex ballet of physical comedy that had us all roaring with laughter and applause.

Act III, a month and half after THAT, we find our intrepid thespians at the end of their respective ropes, phoning in their performances and exhausted by the behind-the-scenes bickering, fights, and betrayals. The play they put on then is a farce of their own making, barely recognizable to the original material.

What keeps Noises Off together is our affection for each of these fragile villains, whose awful behavior somehow never lessens their likability. The direction of the play (as opposed to the play within the play) is quick and lean and savvy, which is a fascinating complement to the ineptitude of the meta-play within.

Every actor holds their own, with Elizabeth McCoy as the ditzy ingenue shining amongst them. Eric Porter’s set design is astounding, and as two-faced as the characters themselves. I won’t tell you what they do to the set for Act II, but it elicited a “Wow!” from most people seated near me.

On a personal note, I confess I had a terrible hangover and was dreading leaving my house that night. Turns out Noises Off was the most effective panacea for what ailed me. I tell you this as testament to the miraculous healing power of good writing, acting, directing, and a healthy shot of laughter. Which is better than a shot of whisky. Live n’ learn.

Noises Off plays at Jefferson Performing Arts Society through April 21st. Click here for show times and ticketing information.

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