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Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Local cast puts own stamp on comedic farce ‘Noises Off’

Jim Crisp of Theatre Macon is continuing his plan of providing fun and laugh-filled entertainment to theater patrons this season with a production of “Noises Off.” In a recent phone interview, Crisp could not contain his excitement about this particular show.

“I did this play 13 years ago, and if you want to focus on entertainment and comedy, you won’t find a better option,” he said. “This is the ‘granddaddy’ of the modern comic farce.”

“Noises Off” is a play about another play. The story revolves around the cast and crew of “Nothing’s On” as they try and take a sexy comedy straight to the top.

There is a cast of nine, featuring, “the most top-notch and best actors in the area, some are 25-year veterans and some are rising stars,” Crisp said. “There is a wonderful array of characters being played by a very strong and experienced cast.”

The play showcases the talents of Tom Morris, September Carter, Bob Meloche, Harry Zaloumes and Gail Johnson, “a who’s who list of Macon actors” according to Crisp. It also features the rising talents of Teddy Anderson, a high school senior, and Skip Lazenby, Stephanie Littleton and Betsey Brindger.

“This play is all about the theater and the workings of a theater troupe,” Crisp explained. “It is full of surprises and fun twists. It really is something different and clever in the concept of the play, and it carries through wonderfully in our production.”

Without giving too much away, the set of the play is elaborate and integral to the plot.

“There was a lot of effort and expense put into the building of this set. A lot of community groups find the set a prohibiting factor. Don’t give away the secrets,” Crisp admonished. “But the set is really magnificent and the audience will enjoy it.”

“Noises Off” is part of Theatre Macon’s season focused on lighthearted laughter.

“There is so much turmoil and stress in the world right now, we wanted people to get away from that and just laugh. You know, the deep gut-busting laughter that makes problems seem manageable,” Crisp said. “This play should do it. I guarantee that patrons will laugh. I’d be surprised if some of them didn’t laugh themselves right out of their chairs and onto the floor.”

If laughter really is the best medicine, then “Noises Off” is just what the doctor ordered.

Opening tonight

What: “Noises Off”

When: 8 p.m. today-Saturday and Oct. 30-31; 2:30 p.m. Sunday; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday

Where: Theatre Macon, 438 Cherry St.

Phone: 746-9485

On the Web: www.theatremacon.com

In the gallery: Featured artist Faira Holliday in a show of fiber arts entitled “Solace”

Cost: $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students