Students sound off for production

The Little Theatre spring 2010 production of “Noises Off” is a hysterical sexy farce written by Michael Frayn and directed by Laurie Woolery.

With an ensemble of nine players, “Noises Off” is a play within a play, in which each cast member plays two roles.

The story unfolds in three acts over the course of three days. It is set in a town near London. The set décor is British with an “old world” atmosphere.

Curtains rise, and we see “Nothing On” being rehearsed in the early morning hours of opening night in the Grand Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare.

The production is in dire need of a humongous overhaul, and the actors of the touring theater company do not contribute to its success.

In the first act, characters fumble through lines, miss cues, and confuse entrances and exits.

Mrs. Clackett is a wacky housemaid played by Dotty Otley, portrayed by Citrus student Valerie Bentson who is becoming extremely frustrated as she frantically attempts to conceal the whereabouts of the housekeepers.

Male love interest Gary Lejeune, played by Chris Aranda, keeps fumbling lines, while Vicki, portrayed by Tayler Larson,  stands oblivious to her surroundings, focusing merely on herself.

All the while, director Lloyd Dallas sits teeming with frustration and anger in the audience.

In Act II, the set is now the backstage area, and the audience cannot see the actors performing, but they can hear the sound of the actors shouting out their lines, and the director yelling out cues.

Now having been on the road for two months, “Nothing On” is worse than ever.

In the concluding act,  “Nothing On” is in its final month of its run and has reached the point of utter deterioration.

Tension between the cast members escalates, and any hope of success of the show is teetering.

This is a play that requires an immense amount of physicality and sharp comedic timing.

“The first two and a half weeks were spent working on movement,” director Woolery said.
“I had the actors watch comedic works such as “The Three Stooges” to better prepare them and to give them an idea of the specific physicality that is needed in this play.”

Woolery cast an eclectic mix of actors, some having had worked with her many times before and some being new faces.

Woolery said directing the show has been joyful and intimidating.

“It’s a lot to do in a short amount of time, but I’m loving the challenge and embracing the humor, and tapping into why comedy is so important,” she said.

“Noises Off” will be showing May 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 8 p.m. and May 16 at 2 p.m. in the Little Theatre. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the box office for $12 for the general public and $10 for students and seniors.