Written in 1982 by English playwright Michael Frayn, Noises Off—a stage term indicating sounds coming from offstage—is a play within a play, the story of a temperamental director and a troupe of hapless performers putting up a silly sex farce called Nothing On. The present production of Noises Off, which is directed by Miguel V. Faustmann, runs from March 28 to April 13 and from April 25 to April 27, 2014 at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas corner Legazpi St., Makati City.
The idea for “Noises Off” came to Frayn while he was watching one of his other plays, The Two of Us, from the wings. Noting that it was “funnier from behind than in front,” he was inspired to create a one-act play called Exits, which he later expanded into what would become Noises Off.
Repertory Philippines has assembled a stellar cast for the current production, most of whom play actors playing roles in the fictitious play Nothing On. Veteran performer Chinggoy Alonso plays Lloyd Dallas, the director of the play-within-a-play. The role of forgetful actress Dotty Otley, who plays housekeeper Mrs. Clackett, is assayed by Frances Makil Ignacio. Returning to Rep after many years away, Paul Holme takes on the role of alcoholic stage veteran Selsdon Mowbray, who in turn plays a burglar. Another erstwhile Rep regular, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, plays cheerful actress Belinda Blair, who plays Flavia Brent. Shiela’s real-life husband Lorenz martinez, another Rep stalwart, takes on the role of Garry Lejeune, who takes on the role of Roger Tramplemain. Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, yet another returning Repper, plays Brooke Ashton, who plays a sexpot named Vicki. Gerard Sison assays the role of actor Frederick Fellowes, who plays Flavia’s husband Philip Brent, the owner of the house in which the play-within-a-play is set. The backstage staff of the fictitious show is composed of Peachy Atilano’s Poppy Norton-Taylor (the show’s assistant stage manager) and Niko Dans’s Tim Allgood (the company stage manager). Both Poppy and Tim understudy various roles in Nothing On.
The unique humor of “Noises Off” comes from the intricacies of plot and character interwoven with the personalities of the actors and the show they’re trying to perform. Respected New York Times critic Frank Rich called it “the funniest play written in my lifetime,” and now is your chance to see why.
Tickets are available through Ticketworld at 891-9999, or via http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/
“Noises Off” was first presented, by special arrangement with Michael Cordon, at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, on February 23rd, 1982, and on March 31st by Michael Cordron at the Savoy Theatre, London. “Noises Off” is presented by special arrangement with United Agents LLP.
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