BWW Reviews: NOISES OFF! - A Side-Splitting Tour de Farce at The Alley

The Alley Theatre has delivered yet another beautiful gift to the Houston theatre scene in their production of Noises Off!. Utilizing their well-assembled resident company, a sumptuous and beautiful set, and superb direction, Noises Off! is sure to leave your side splitting with laughter and keep you wholly entertained.

Noises Off! tells the story of the work and backstage drama that goes into staging a comedy. The audience follows a troupe of actors performing a comedy called Nothing On!, as they move from their final rehearsal before opening night through two additional tour stops. Each act of Noises Off! presents the audience with a comedic, yet disastrous, rendition of act one of Nothing On!, including the character’s own not highly anticipated final stop in Stockton-on-Teese, where the cast and crew feel they’ll all be so tired and disgusted with each other that they simply won’t be able to perform well.

In this three act, action-packed modern farce, the cast as a whole deserves all the kudos they garner and glean from the audience and critics alike. The stamina required to put on this play is an obvious challenge, and none of the actors once show a sign of fatigue. Actually, the energy flowing from the stage seems to constantly increase with each hilarious line or pratfall. Furthermore, as a full ensemble, the cast shines. No one player upstages the others, and each member of the company performs their assigned roles perfectly. This is not to say that the audience will not walk away with a handful of favorite characters.

In fact, from the chatter I heard as I was leaving the theatre last night, favorite characters are selected because of their personality traits. Some may be drawn to Todd Waite’s inability to comprehend what is happening or his naïve charm, while others may be drawn to Kimberly King’s mannerisms and contorted faces that seem to be a genuine, subtle homage to the lovable Lucille Ball. Others may be entranced by Melissa Pritchett’s blonde bombshell that does not seem capable of improvisation, while some may find Mic Matarrese’s physical comedy and debonair yet inarticulate persona unforgettable. Rounding out the cast, Josie de Guzman’s poise and plastic smile captures hearts, Allison Guinn’s meek and timid church mouse wins others over, Ben Diskant’s consummately people pleasing everyman charms viewers, James Black’s rough around The Edges and altogether frayed director may attract favoritism from patrons, or John Tyson’s lovable dope of an alcoholic may slyly slink into the hearts of others. Regardless of favorites, there is no doubt that the audience thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this hilarious show.

The enjoyment and laughs in a farce directly comes from comedic timing. Without a modicum of reservation, I can assure you that the timing in this production is impeccable. There is not a single dropped line or gag, leaving the audience rolling with hearty guffaws of endless laughter. Every action and word is meticulously choreographed and delivered perfectly. As if this wasn’t enough reason to see the show more than once, it can safely be said that there is never a moment where an actor is standing still while on stage. With so much hilariously side-splitting action happening at all times and the superb acting, you’ll simply feel compelled to plan a return trip to the Alley Theatre to see Noises Off! again!

Lastly, the set is beautiful. It is perfectly designed, and with eight doors and a window it is a character in itself. The costumes are wonderful as well, serving as evocative reminders of British fashion from the 1960s and placing the show into a familiar, relatable historical context.

If you’re looking for a night of laughter and perfectly polished theatrical performance, then The Alley is the right choice for you. Noises Off! runs until June 24 at The Alley’s Hubbard Stage. For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.alleytheatre.org/ or call (713) 220 – 5700.

All Photos courtesy of T. Charles Erickson.

 

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