Barn Theatre Announces Production Of NOISES OFF

The dizzying farce comedy NOISES OFF opens at the Barn Theatre June 12th! Playing just one week through June 17, Robert Newman joins the Barn company for this second production.

One of the funniest farces ever written, NOISES OFF is a roller coaster, hilarious look at theatre - inside and out - as a hapless troupe of actors attempt to mount a dreadful comedy. Door slamming, missed cues, and romantic intrigue will have you roaring with laughter as the casts' collective sanity slowly unravels. The show must go on despite the catastrophe being played out on stage and the vicious antics unfolding backstage. Along with Mr. Newman, lending to the backstage shenanigans are Barn Leading lady Penelope Alex as well as Barn regulars Jonnie Carpathios, Melissa Cotton Hunter, Samantha Rickard, Patrick Hunter, John Jay Espino, Andrea Arvanigian and first-year apprentice Christian Edwards.

NOISES OFF explores the calamities suffered by a group of second-rate actors touring the English provinces in a sex farce entitled "Nothing On" which constitutes a play-within-play of NOISES OFF. In theatre terminology "noises off" refers to commotion backstage. The idea for NOISES OFF came to the playwright (a well-known British farceur and satirist) one night in 1970 as he stood in the wings of a London theatre watching a performance of a quick-change, arms flapping farce he had written for actors Lynn Redgrave and Richard Briers. "It was funnier from behind than in front," recalls Frayn, "and I thought, 'One day I must write a farce from behind." Hailed by the NY Times "A spectacularly funny, peerless backstage farce." This production is Rated PG-13 for language.

NOISES OFF premiered in London on June 16, 1982 and opened on Broadway at the Brook Atkinson Theatre, December 12, 1983, to rave reviews and ran 553 performances. A film version was also made in 1992 starring Carol Burnett, Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Julie Hagerty. Since then there have been revivals in London in New York. The most recent revival was mounted by Roundabout Theatre Company starring Andrea Martin, where it received several Tony nominations.

NOISES OFF is directed by Brendan Ragotzy. Set design by Dusty Reeds. Costumes are designed by Taylor Burke. Properties are by Sam Rudy. Lights are designed by Michael McShane, Luke Ragotzy has designed the sound and Crysta Menefee Gsellman is wig/hair master. Technical Director is John Dobson.

NOISES OFF plays through June 17. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 PM & and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Enjoy refreshments in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by the cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance. *NEW THIS SEASON* Make your bar show reservations online - now, for the entire summer. Dinner's Nightly! Call Box office for dinner reservations. 269 -731-4121 or email dinners@barntheatreschool.org

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets range from $39 - $48 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under for all performances. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Group rates available. The Box Office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased online. To reserve tickets at the Box Office - Call today: (269) 731-4121 or visit www.barntheatreschool.org

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