The DC Traveler

Noises Off - Controlled Pandemonium on Stage

by Jon on December 12th, 2006

This British play-within-a-play at the Arena Stage, is a fast-paced and hilarious farce about a third-rate theater group putting on a fourth-rate sex romp.

Noises Off is more about the cast as they attempt to interact with their pained and tormented director while dealing with massive egos, sexual tension, backstage chaos, jealousy, bickering and a plate of sardines than about the play they are attempting to put on.

You follow the troupe’s controlled pandemonium starting with the final dress rehearsal, to backstage opening night, and ending with the same performance months later as the play winds down for its disasterous closing night.  You get to watch miscues and missed lines as the play progressively become unrecognizable from the initial dress rehersal.  From stereotypical overacting to actors showing up drunk for performances, this roller coaster comedy will leave your sides splitting.

I have seen a couple production of this play and it is truly one of the funniest I have ever seen.  The 1984 Broadway production was nominated for four Tony Awards, including best play and it was again nominated in 2002 for Best Revival Play. 

The on-stage version of Noises Off should compared the poorly adapted 1992 movie version.

Noises Off
Arena Stage
Kreeger Theater
1101 Sixth Street, SW Washington, DC 20024

December 15th through January 26th
Tickets - $48.00 - $53.00

Nearest Metro subway station - The Waterfront-SEU station - Green line, then a one block walk

Parking is available in area lots/garages. 

NOTE: This play is probably not suited for children due to subject matter and language.

Image courtesy of Arena Stage.
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POSTED IN: Performing Arts – Plays & Dance