Sunset’s ‘noises off’ a rollicking, two-sided farce

‘By Marilyn Jozwik

Published March 2, 2020

‘Noises Off” by Michael Frayn is a classic comedy that ups the farce ante by being a farce within a farce. Sunset Playhouse’s latest offering is directed by Dustin J. Martin.

Noises off is a theatrical expression which refers to backstage chatter or other sounds that could be heard by the audience and detract from the show onstage. In “Noises Off” we see a ragtag troupe of actors at a dismal dress rehearsal for a British farce called “Nothing On” that leaves the director in tatters. There is even a program for “Nothing On” at the Grand Theatre in the “Noises Off” program, showing character bios.

In Act 2, “Noises Off” goes back stage as jealousies, lovers’ quarrels and subterfuge play out during one of the performances a month later and in Act 3, two months later, the show limps to its final presentation in an uproarious display of theatrical ineptitude as performers’ relationships have disintegrated, props are out of place and the set is on its last legs.

As is the case with many farces, the show features numerous doors that characters pop in and out of creating many humorous situations. Or, as the director summarizes the show: “Words, doors, bags, boxes and sardines.”

The show within the show features two couples (played by Casey Van Dam and Megan Tappan and Carrie Gray and Nathan Marian) who arrive at
different times at the Brent mansion, each thinking they are alone for a
romantic getaway. Neither realizes, at first, that the maid (Marcee Doherty-Elst) is still there, and eventually find out the other couple is there. The confusions lead to
a call to police, a woman without a dress, disappearing bags and boxes, a
bungling burglar and … sardines. It seems they are the only thing the maid can
make. While the dress rehearsal for “Nothing On” is going on, the director is
becoming increasing agitated at the performers’ unpreparedness, pettiness and
sensitivities. In other words, the show is a hot mess. And matters only get
worse as tensions arise from cast romances.

This is a really fine group of performers who kept up with the action wonderfully, nailing the energy and challenging timing of the show, which created many hilarious situations. Yet, the show often had an uncomfortable frenetic pace. This was especially evident during the backstage scenes, in which the performers – so as to not be accused of “noises off” – often mime their thoughts. Too often characters seemed to flapping about without rhyme or reason. It was, at times, exhausting to watch as it must have been exhausting to perform.

Much of the comedy comes from the on-stage performances versus the off-stage situations of the actors, a device brought to the stage in shows such as “Kiss Me, Kate.”

I especially enjoyed Brant Allen’s portrayal of the harried director whose patience wears thin during the disastrous dress rehearsal, turning his comments more snarky as the evening rehearsal turns to early morning. And he delivers those remarks with dripping sarcasm.

Van Dam has good physicality including a flawlessly executed prat fall down the stairs, but needs to dial down his character’s frenzied state.  Tappan presents lots of well-played physical comedy as well and is hilarious in the disappearing “bag, bag, bag” scene.

Gray and Marinan are also nicely paired, playing a more staid couple, although Marinan does end up with his pants around his ankle as the “Nothing On” farce mistakenly takes his character into the realm of accused sex pervert.

Doherty-Elst’s maid affects a convincing Cockney accent and handles
all her sardine platter scenes as well as her character’s mercurial workplace
romance.

This show requires an ambitious set change that must rotate the whole set from front to back, and back to front again. The audience saw the whole procedure in action between Acts 2 and 3 and applauded the crew for their herculean efforts. Matt Carr is the show’s scenic designer, while Duane Bauer served as master carpenter.

If you go

Who: Sunset Playhouse

What: “Noises Off”

When: Through March 15

Where: 800 Elm Grove Road

Info/Tickets: 262-782-4430, SunsetPlayhouse.com