British Farce NOISES OFF to Open Next Month at the Brookfield Theatre

Slamming doors, missing sardines and straying affections create mayhem backstage in the elaborate farce "Noises Off" by Michael Frayn. It follows a group of actors as they work to perform the fictional play "Nothing On" from dress rehearsal to closing night. The audience witnesses both backstage intrigues and on-stage mishaps as director Lloyd Dallas (Matt Austin) guides the actors, coaxing them through performances as their show tours the English countryside.

The show is financed by lead actor Dotty Otley (Priscilla Squiers) who is also dating male lead Garry LeJeune (Duane Lanham) whose on-stage girlfriend played by Brooke Ashton (Anya Caravella) is having trouble keeping her clothes and contact lenses in place. Meanwhile, another actor, Frederick Fellowes (Tony Bosco-Schmidt) plays the unwitting part in a love triangle with on-stage wife BeLinda Blair (Jody Bayer) while stage manager Poppy Norton-Taylor (Kate Valiska) and set builder Tim Allgood (Eli Patton) try desperately to keep track of actor Selsdon Mowbray (Ron Malyszka).

This hilarious show is dexterously brought to the Brookfield stage by director Scott R. Brill who holds a Masters degree in theater directing from Emerson College. Along with many shows at Brookfield Theatre, Scott has directed numerous shows in the region including for the Westport Community Theater, New Canaan Town Players, Darien Players, and several others.

Keeping track of all the details is Stage Manager Andrew Olson who starred in Brookfield's summer musical "Damn Yankees". The intricate set has been designed by Andrew Okell and constructed with set builders Bob Lane, Larry Coleman, and Don Lombardo. The show costumer is Adelle Deakin and prop master is Sarah Rokitowski, with lighting by David Jurman.

During the run of the show, our lobby gallery will feature the artwork of Mary Lou Alberetti, Bob Alberetti, Javier Alvarado, and Megan Marden on display October 23 through December. An artists' reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 10 at 5pm. Gallery hours are one hour before and after show times and by appointment by contacting BrookfieldTheatreCT@gmail.com.

NOISES OFF by Michael Frayn, directed by Scott R. Brill, opens on Friday night, Nov. 3 with performances Fri. and Sat. nights at 8pm through Nov. 19. There will be three Sunday matinees on Sun., Nov. 5, 12, and 19 at 2pm. A free preview performance for area senior citizens will be held on Thurs., Nov. 2 at 8PM. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for students, available at the box office or online at www.BrookfieldTheatre.org.

Pictured: Jody Bayer, Tony Bosco-Schmidt Priscilla Squiers, and Duane Lanham in a scene from NOISES OFF in Brookfield.

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