Noises Off

The Willow’s Theater in Concord is currently presenting Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off”, one of the funniest, zaniest, absolute insaniest shows that you will ever see.

Under the artful direction of Richard Elliott, a superlative cast of professional and professional level actors deliver a wild and chaotic British farce that amounts to a show within a show, front and back, rightside up and upside down.

In other words, you get to see the show from three different perspectives. First, you see the show in rehearsal as the director attempts to get his mediocre band of thespians off book and on que the night before the show is supposed to open, in the Grand Theater, in Weston-Super-Mare. Second, after a short intermission, you see the show a month later after it has opened and moved on to the second theatre in its traveling circuit, Theatre Royal, Ashton-under-Lyne. Only this time, you see the show from backstage (the set is completely turned around) as you are treated to what goes on behind the scenes, including the back-stage romances and intrigues. Preceeding the third act, during another intermission, you actually get to see the stage hands move the very intricate set back the way it was when the show opened, set facing the audience. In the third act, which occurs two months later, the show has traveled again to a third theater, this time to the Municipal Theatre, in Stockton-on-Tees where the show is about to close. By this time the actors are about at each other’s throats and the high jinks get crazier and crazier.

The term, Noises Off, is a British stage term for “quiet” or “no noise” backstage. What happens backstage in this show is a riot, as the actors attempt to keep the audience from knowing what mayhem is going on behind the scenes.

The show within the show this company is presenting, is called “Nothing On”, in which a realtor brings a beautiful blond bimbo to a home his company is supposed to be renting, intent on a little extra curricular activity, probably a sexual liason. The home owners return home unexpectedly and the housekeeper cannot keep track of the er- - ah -- sardines, among other things.

Cassidy Brown, Brittany Ogle, Simon Vance, Holly Hornlien, Sue Trigg, Chris Ayles, Katie Anderson, John Butterfield and Julian Lopez-Morillas are pluperfect especially their timing, which is the key factor (besides superlative acting skill) in making a play like this work the way it should. For example: Chris Ayles plays an aging alcoholic actor who is experiencing hearing difficulties while playing a burglar, while pursuing his favorite pastime, imbibing scotch frequently. Chris takes this little part to new heights and proves that there are no small parts, not in the hands of a skilled professional. This production is funny, phunny, funee, No matter how you say it, write it or display it, you cannot get it wrong, it is a shear delight. I laughed again and again. I love this show and I strongly encourage you to call the Willows to see this production.

Director Richard Elliott has delivered a brilliantly conceived show, well worth the very, very reasonable ticket price of $30 to $35 per person. You don’t have to fight traffic or pay for parking at the Willows Shopping Center where the Willows Theatre is located. This production plays Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday performances at 7:30. There are matinees on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., now through May 7th. The Willows Theatre is located at 1975 Diamond Boulevard, between REI sporting goods and Comp USA in the Willows Shopping Center. Call (925) 798-1300 for reservations or visit their website at www.willowstheatre.org for more information.

If you enjoy British comedy, somewhat akin to Benny Hill and Monty Python, then you will love this slapstick whirlwind of theatrical madness.