Curtain about to open on “Noises Off”
The Old Lyric Repertory Company is almost set to open the curtain for the 2006 season. The farce “Noises Off,” written by Michael Frayn and directed by Vosco Call, is the first of four productions this summer at the Caine Lyric, opening Thursday, June 15, and continuing Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17. The OLRC reminds patrons that the new curtain time for evening performances this year is 7:30 p.m., with the Saturday matinee show time remaining at 2 p.m.
Back by popular request, “Noises Off” returns to the Old Lyric Repertory Company’s center stage. “Noises Off,” called the “funniest farce ever written” by the “New York Post,” sets the tone for the 2006 OLRC season. Longtime OLRC director and founder of the company 40 years ago, Vosco Call heads the production.
“‘Noises Off’ gives a realistic look at the workings of a second-rate theatre company,” said Tracie Norton who plays Dotty in the OLRC production. “Michael Frayn, the playwright, pinpoints actor eccentricities so perfectly that he created a case of life imitation.”
Frayn’s “Noises Off” follows the on- and off-stage antics of a second-rate theatre company as it desperately tries to pull off the play, “Nothing On.” “Nothing On” is performed three times, but it is never the same show, revealing what happens before the show opens, what is going on back stage (which is often more entertaining), and the problems that develop as the actors spend more time together. By the end, “Nothing On” has completely fallen to pieces as angry pranks, arguments, love triangles and plates of sardines make their way onto the stage, leaving the already thin plot line with nothing on, and audiences rolling in their seats.
The original production premiered in 1982 in London, but Frayn came up with the idea years earlier while watching the performance of one of his farces from backstage.”It was funnier from behind than in front and I thought that one day I must write a farce from behind,” Frayn said.
“Noises Off” was last seen at the OLRC in 1991 and was an audience favorite. Call, OLRC founder, returns from retirement to direct the 2006 version of “Noises Off.”
“The combined elements of an extremely funny script and Call’s skill at directing physical comedy results in laugh-out-loud entertainment,” said Jeremy Gordon, OLRC publicity director.
The dangerously fast pace of “Noises Off” demands perfect timing of the actors.
“Call is brilliant at portraying his vision and coordinating the controlled pandemonium,” said Norton. “There is no room for boredom in this production.”
“Noises Off” opens the Old Lyric Repertory Company’s 40th anniversary season June 15. Tickets are available at the Caine Lyric box office, at 28 West Center St. in Logan. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, noon through 8 p.m., or by calling (435) 752-1500. Ticket prices range from $8 to $18. Flex-pass ticket sales for season subscribers end Saturday, June 17.
“We have many ticket promotions available for our patrons,” said Gordon. “Student rush tickets are available for half price 15 minutes prior to curtain. Senior two-for-one tickets are available for Tuesday and Wednesday evening performances. Also, the last three rows of the balcony are specially priced.”
Contact the box office for more information.
Opening next at the OLRC is the summer’s musical offering, “Route 66.” That production opens June 22.
Season Performance Schedule:
Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
“Noises Off:” Thursday, June 15; Friday, June 16; Saturday, June 17 (matinee and evening); Thursday, June 29; Saturday, July 1 (matinee and evening); Thursday, July 20; Friday, July 28; Friday, Aug. 4.
“Route 66:” Thursday, June 22; Friday, June 23; Saturday, June 24 (matinee and evening); Friday, June 30; Saturday, July 22 (matinee and evening); Thursday, July 27; Wednesday, Aug. 2.
“Postmortem:” Thursday, July 6; Friday, July 7; Saturday, July 8 (matinee and evening); Friday, July 21; Saturday, July 29 (matinee and evening); Thursday, Aug. 3.
“Relative Values:” Thursday, July 13; Friday, July 14; Saturday, July 15 (matinee and evening); Wednesday, July 19; Wednesday, July 26; Saturday, Aug. 5 (matinee and evening).