STEPPENWOLF PRESENTS
NOISES OFF
Written by Michael Frayn
Directed by Anna D. Shapiro
“Noises Off” is a hilarious farce of British wit and slap stick humor. A well done production set turns as if it is a “lazy susan” between the three acts provides the audience a view of the goings on shenanigans during a play production. You can only pray this is not typical of most plays.
The humor starts in the very first scene and builds with each scene as complications of this farce pile on. The first act shows the players trying to get their parts right during their last rehearsal and often failing miserably to our delight.
The humor builds as the second act allows you to see what is going on back of the set. The third act returns to the front set where opening night goes astray building the farce within a farce to a “pinnacle” of roaring laughter.
The cast delivers laughs from typical British wit of circumstances and prompts such as, “You Know” “sardines” to skillful slap stick acrobatics, especially by Rick Holmes.
“Noises Off” features a cast of: Vaneh Asadourian , Amanda Fink, Audrey Francis, Francis Guinan, Rick Holmes , Ora Jones, Andrew Leads, James Vincent Meredith, and Max Stewart.
“Noises Off” performances run through November 3rd. Although Steppenwolf theater is large and comfortable with a good view from every seat, I highly recommend to reserve your seats immediately as performances are already selling out. Tickets range from $20-$148. FYI (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.
Reviewed by Keith B. Laggos, PHD. For TPS Productions