When an already unstable cast of actors begins to suffer the slings and arrows of falling in love (as well as falling down stairs) the possibility of a successful performance plummets, but the likelihood of audience delight skyrockets.
In Noises Off a quirky assortment of second-tier British actors try their best to hold together a play called “Nothing On,” as unrequited love, misunderstandings, and innumerable sardines undermine rehearsals and performances at every turn. Confusion and vengeance eventually run amok as actors and stage crew spiral deeper into mirthful disaster.
Cast in this laughter locomotive is an ensemble of actors able to perform an onslaught of comedic devices timed and executed to perfection. They are Steven Kraski, Cori Anne Laemmel, Jenny Littleton (from The Doyle and Debbie Show), Eric D. Pasto-Crosby, Brian Webb Russell, Martha Wilkinson (reprising her role of “Dotty” from Nashville Rep’s 2005 production of Noises Off), and Jacob York, as well as Nashville Rep newcomers, Morgan Davis and Chase Miller.
The production will be directed by Nashville Rep’s Producing Artistic Director, René D. Copeland with Matt Parker as Assistant Director. Designers are Gary C. Hoff (Scenic Designer), Trish Clark (Costume Designer), Evelyn Thornhill (Props Master), Kyle Odum (Sound Designer), and Michael Barnett (Lighting Designer).
Written by Michael Frayn, Noises Off contains a famous second act which highlights the show’s comedic brilliance. For Act Two the entire set rotates 180 degrees allowing the audience to watch the backstage calamity during a performance of “Nothing On” as actors struggle to keep the play on track in the face of revenge, missing whiskey bottles, and total lack of control.
“Noises Off is a laugh-out-loud, non-stop stampede of craziness,” says actor Martha Wilkinson. “The challenge of landing all the jokes and getting physical gags just right is tough, but that's part of the fun, and when it's done well, it’s hilarious. (And of course, for this play, coming together "correctly" means deftly making the entire thing fall apart.) Having played this same role of “Dotty” in Nashville Rep’s 2005 production, I’m looking forward to once again battling with slamming doors, those damn sardines, and that blasted newspaper!”
Nashville Rep’s Noises Off runs October 15 – November 5 in Johnson Theater at Tennessee Performing Arts Center located at 505 Deaderick Street in downtown Nashville. Preview performances are October 13 - 14. Tickets are $25 for previews and start at $45 for regular run. Tickets can be purchased online at nashvillerep.org or by calling the Box Office at 615-782-4040.
Noises Off Performance Schedule
Previews:
- Thursday, October 13, 2016 6:30 PM
- Friday, October 14, 2016 7:30 PM
Regular Run:
- Saturday, October 15, 2016 7:30 PM (Opening night)
- Wed, October 19, 2016 6:30 PM
- Thursday, October 20, 2016 6:30 PM
- Friday, October 21, 2016 7:30 PM **
- Saturday, October 22, 2016 2:30 PM
- Saturday, October 22, 2016 7:30 PM
- Wed, October 26, 2016 6:30 PM
- Thursday, October 27, 2016 6:30 PM
- Friday, October 28, 2016 7:30 PM **
- Saturday, October 29, 2016 2:30 PM
- Saturday, October 29, 2016 7:30 PM *
- Wed, November 2, 2016 6:30 PM
- Thursday, November 3, 2016 6:30 PM
- Friday, November 4, 2016 7:30 PM **
- Saturday, November 5, 2016 2:30 PM
- Saturday, November 5, 2016 7:30 PM *
** Denotes post-show Talkback
* Denotes post-show Meet and Greet with the cast
