Expect some magic tonight from not only the cast of Rivercity Players’ production of the hilarious farce Noises Off but from the set-building crew as well.
The demands of the production Noises Off – a farce hailed by some critics as “The funniest farce ever written.” – has made their set building crew dig deep and come up with some innovative approaches.
Noises Off is about the onstage and backstage antics of an itinerant group of actors rehearsing and touring a play around the provincial theatres of England. They have a temperamental and unpredictable director, actors who really don’t understand the play, and a cast member who is suspected of being a bit of a lush. Added to this are complicated romances, ‘violent’ jealousy, misheard words and mistaken identity – all the ingredients of an incredibly funny farce.
But outside the magic of the theatrical performance, there is a real and practical challenge. The play demands a double storey set which revolves to show both onstage and backstage scenes. In a small, 90-seat, single storey theatre, this becomes a real challenge for the set designer and building crew.
However, the cast of Noises Off have been enjoying rehearsing on a set which provides for all their needs for some weeks now and are looking forward to sharing their enjoyment of this ridiculously-funny farce with Campbell River audiences starting tonight.
Phil Atkinson, president of Rivercity Players, was once a military technician whose job was to obey the order “Make it happen, Phil.” He and his crew of volunteers have certainly made it happen for the Noises Off set.
“The spectacle of our home-built, revolving stage will certainly add to the magic of the show,” says stage manager Gail Tisdail.
Come and take in this amazing feat of community theatre and incredible insanity. Noises Off opens tonight at Rivercity Stage, 1080 Hemlock Street and runs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov 1, 2 p.m. Nov. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5-8. Tickets are $20 and on sale at Campbell River Laundromat, The Comfort Zone, and Impressions Art Gallery.
