From The City Paper 03/03/2005:

Noises Off rules comedy world
By AMY STUMPFL
 
It has long been my opinion that comedy does not receive the credit it deserves — particularly farce. Even Mr. Webster doesn’t seem to think much of the medium, defining it as “a low style of comedy.” But with its production of Michael Frayn’s classic farce Noises Off, Tennessee Repertory Theatre effectively explores the highs and lows of theater life with hilarious results.

Noises Off presents the story of a hapless British acting troupe that is about to open its touring production of the bawdy bedroom farce Nothing On. In the first act we meet the various players — one more outrageous than the next — as they muddle their way through the final dress rehearsal.

For the second act (which takes place about a month later) the entire set is rotated 180 degrees, giving the audience a sneak peek at the trouble brewing back stage. By the third act, when the set is turned around again, we see that the production has completely fallen apart and everyone is just trying to make it through the final performance.

On the surface, this “play-within-a-play” might appear to be little more than a lumpy mix of clichés and chaos. But beyond the slamming doors, disappearing props, drunken actors and back-stage brawls is a true comedic masterpiece. As such, Noises Off requires incredible attention to detail, with carefully choreographed moves and spot-on exchange of dialogue. Presenting the same show three times from different perspectives is no small task, and in the hands of a lesser cast and crew it could become downright tedious.

Thankfully, director René Copeland, who also serves as associate artistic director of Tennessee Rep, has assembled some of Nashville’s most talented players to pull it off.

Martha Wilkinson leads the way as Dotty Otley — a fading star who can barely remember her lines let alone control her diva-like tantrums. Matt Chiorini also shines as the inarticulate but passionate Garry Lejeune. With his usual impeccable timing, Chiorini attacks his role with remarkable energy while flinging himself across the stage and even down the steps with great gusto.

Marin Miller is an absolute scream as resident bombshell Brooke Ashton, who seems to lose her clothes almost as often as she loses her contact lens. With vacant stares, bouncing curls and rubber band-like limbs, Miller is the walking definition of ditzy.

Jeff Boyet is quite likeable as the overly sensitive Frederick Fellowes, and Shelean Newman offers the just the right blend of perky and pest as the gossipy Belinda Blair. Chip Arnold is terrific as the self-important director Lloyd Dallas, who can’t seem to get any cooperation from his talent-impaired cast. And Joe Keenan makes the most of his supporting role as the often drunk (and mostly deaf) Selsdon Mowbray.

There are truly no small parts in this masterpiece, with thoughtful and quite funny performances turned in by Jenny Littleton and Bobby Wyckoff as the innocent crew members who get dragged into the mess onstage.

Still, the real stars of this show are the fantastic script and the incredible set. Once again, The Rep’s resident head of design Gary C. Hoff delivers a gorgeous set that enhances the performance at every opportunity.

Noises Off contains some adult content and language, but it’s all in good fun. And in the end, that’s what farce is all about. Low humor? Indeed, I think Noises Off is an exercise in entertainment at the highest level.

Getting There
What: The Tennessee Repertory Theatre presents Noises Off
When: Through March 12. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; with a matinee at 4 p.m. Sunday and 2:30 p.m. March 12
Where: The James K. Polk Theater at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), 505 Deaderick St.
Cost: $15-$42
Info: Call 255-2787 or visit www.TNRep.org; www.tpac.org; or www.ticketmaster.com
Production contains adult content and language.