If you’ve never heard of “Noises Off!” before, this is a must-see show. It’s a play within a play, where the characters play actors who are getting ready for a play.
It’s split into three acts. The first is a last-minute rehearsal, where the cast is growing forgetful and the director is growing frustrated. The second act flips the stage, and now the audience experiences the quirkiness of backstage as the actors grow tenser amongst themselves. The third act flips us back to the closing night, and everyone seems to have given up at this point.
This production was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and gave me a dramatized look into what it takes to create a successful performance. The second act was by far my favorite. Each actor had to not only perform the play within the play to an invisible audience, but learn how to act as their character backstage, too. I was rolling around in my seat in mad laughter at the antics happening. The entire audience seemed to be just as invested.
There were some aspects that didn’t connect with me as well, though. The first is that the show is lengthier than the average theater production. I was there for around three hours, but I still enjoyed myself. As long as you come into it knowing the time commitment, this shouldn’t be an issue.
My other problem was that each character had two names—their names in the play within the play and their names as the actors. I honestly couldn’t follow who was named what, but I was still able to grasp the concept of the play and immerse myself in the story.
Even with these issues, I was able to enjoy the show. It has to be my favorite production from Good Luck Macbeth to date.
Overall, this play gave something unique, and that is hard to come by in the Reno theater scene. The few issues I did have were minimal and could be overlooked. I seriously urge all to get their tickets fast because the show dates are deservedly selling out. This is one you’ll definitely regret missing.
The Details:
- Web: https://www.goodluckmacbeth.org/now-showing.html
- Written by Michael Frayn
- Directed by Dave Richards
Evening Show Dates: 3/6, 3/7, 3/11, 3/12, 3/13, 3/14, 3/19, 3/20, 3/21, 3/26, 3/27, 3/28, 4/2, 4/3, 4/4
- House Opens @ 6:45 PM
- Performance Begins @ 7:30 PM
Matinee Show Dates: 3/8, 3/22
- House Opens @ 1:15 PM
- Performance Begins @ 7:30 PM
Tickets
- General Admission $20 in advance
- General Admission $25 at the door
- Senior (over 65) & Military (with ID) $18
- Student (with ID) $15
- VIP Champagne Seating $30
Cast
- Kathy Welch as Dotty Otley (Mrs. Clacket)
- Ashley James as Belinda Blair (Flavia Brent)
- Ian Sorenson as Garry Lejeune (Roger Tramplemain)
- Jasper Unger as Selsdon Mowbray (Burglar)
- Lauren Shaw as Brooke Ashton (Vicki)
- Ryan Costello as Frederick Fellows (Philip Brent & Sheikh)
- Joe Atack as Lloyd Dallas (Director)
- Ryan Kelly as Tim Allgood (Stage Manager)
- Jamie Woodham as Poppy Norton-Taylor (ASM)
