*“Noises Off,” at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, is one of the funniest contemporary comedy of errors ever to hit the stage! This imaginative farce is brilliantly written by Michael Frayn with genius direction by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro.
It’s a play about a play and all that goes on before, during and after a grand performance. Anna Shapiro captures every possible nuance from the first word to the final bow.
“Noises Off” is filled with a titillating cast of comedic superstars. All are worthy of the Tony Award and any other feted observance of theatrical excellence.
David Lind (as Gary & Roger) evokes a young Orson Wells, an imitable John Belishi and the rib-tickling John Inman from the BBC’s “Are You Being Served?” David Lind masters his roles with a force that demands that his name is now forever known and remembered.
Ora Jones (as Dotty & Mrs. Clackett) exudes Dame Judy Dench, Patricia Routledge, Lucille Ball, Pearl Bailey, Melissa McCarthy and a myriad of comedic influences all while making the role totally her own. Here is a superstar with a commanding presence and performance!
Scroll to continue reading
James Vincent Meredith (as Frederick & Phillip) masters his role like a troubadour.
His performance is poetry in motion as he morphs into and out of a never-ending series of sticky situations.
Audrey Francis (as Belinda & Flavia) is a force. Her overstated drama with a comedic flair is perfectly fitted for this gem of a farce.
Amanda Fink (as Brooke & Vicki) brings the spice as the femme fatale du jour.
Francis Guinan (as Rick) adds to the flavor as the Commedia dell’arte’s typical stock character reminiscent of Brighella, the loveable stumbling drunkard.
Don’t sleep on Rick Holmes (as Lloyd), Vaneh Assadourian (as Poppy), and Max Stewart (as Tim). This production soars because it is anchored by great performances from every cast member.
For Los Angeles locals or anyone else willing and able to make the trip, “Noises Off” brings a much-needed dose of comic relief with the sweet scent of a fishy plot.
“Noises Off” is presented by The Geffen Playhouse and a Co-Production with Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Production Sponsor is City National Bank. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was the Opening Night Hospitality Sponsor.
Geffen Playhouse is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture, and as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.
The performance schedule for “Noises Off” is Wednesday through Fridays at 8:00 p.m. Saturday shows are at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p. m. For tickets and other information visit www.geffenplayhouse.org.
ABOUT GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and productions, the not-for-profit organization continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates and is currently helmed by Executive Director/CEO Gil Cates, Jr., Artistic Director Tarell Alvin McCraney and Board Chair Adi Greenberg. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains extensive education and community engagement programs, designed to involve underserved young people and the community at large in the arts.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: ‘Beyond the Barracks’ enthralls Geffen Playhouse w/veteran stories
