By Mariah Bailey
Cache Theatre Company’s production of Noises Off in Logan, UT is an uproarious, fast-paced farce showing what can (but hopefully never) happens onstage and backstage with a cast that may or may not get along. Noises Off premiered in 1982 in London; the idea for the play came to playwright Michael Frayn in 1970, when he was watching from the wings a performance of The Two of Us, a farce that he had written for Lynn Redgrave. He said, “It was funnier from behind than in front, and I thought that one day I must write a farce from behind.” This proves to be a great comedy as it has played both in professional and community theatres and has audiences laughing jovially ever since. Noises Off keeps you on the edge of your chair, not knowing what to expect next. This is a rather miserably written play (Nothing’s On) within a play and the actors distinguish which character they are playing with a harder British accent and using terms of endearment like Love and my Sweet. The cast has only nine members, so it really creates an intimate experience for the audience. I love that they don’t use microphones and that they all project their voices well.
The Utah Theatre is warm and inviting which is a great contrast to the outside cold of Logan, Utah. Immediately upon entering, the set designed by Anne Benson catches the eye and gives excitement to what will happen on stage. Kudos to director Chris Metz and company for this slapstick and energetic comedy. Our actors couldn’t be more fitting. Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett ( Annalee Roberts) has wonderful stage presence, has a slightly different British accent for each of her characters, and keeps her composure and intent even in the most hysterical scenes. I love her mismatched costume, her physical movements, and her larger-than-life facial expressions.Alan Buys plays Lloyd Dallas, the director of Nothing’s On. I found it delightful that he is staged in the back of the theater in the first act while they have their “dress rehearsal.” His ability to act as a director is brilliant, knowing when to please the cast or when to put the hammer down couldn’t be timelier.Andy Johnson is the gentleman who plays the character of Garry Lejeune and Roger Tramplemaine. He is dynamically entertaining by knowing when to play up a scene, showing genuine emotions, and carefully but dramatically getting injured. I love that his romantic counterpart Brooke Ashton/Vicki (Erika Luke) is taller than him. It just brings that extra touch of humor to the show. Luke’s ability to play a ditzy blonde is fantastic, as the whole cast gets to help her find her frequently lost items throughout the play. Her concentration while she stays in character when she does her meditations is priceless.
Lindsey Kelstrom plays the role of Poppy Norton-Taylor, the stage manager. I laughed at the first sight of her big, poofy 1980s hair. Is is a wig? I sort of hope so and sort of not, but only she can tell you that. Her character’s debacles as she helps people remember their lines and announces the show— several times brings lots of laughs. Tanner Benson as stagehand Tim Algood does whatever the director wants including being ready to play any role at any time, fixing things, and purchasing needed items for the director, I mean, the show. Benson’s nonchalance until his face lights up as he announces the show to begin is fantastic.
Jared Rounds, who is also the costume designer and artistic director, plays the role of Frederick Fellowes and Philip Brent. His character is a tall wimpy man who faints at the sight of any blood or violence. Never breaking character, Rounds knows when and how to exaggerate his lines, actions, and less than manly role. Caitlyn Jennings is Belinda Blair and Flavia Brent. At first her character is meek and nondescript. By the end, she is mother hen taking care of everyone in the cast, including making sure the alcohol doesn’t get into the hands of the wrong cast member. Her character development is keen and clever and she keeps a witty smile on her face during the tumultuous chaos in the third act.
Selsdon Mowbray and the Burgler are played by Cary Youmans. When he first comes onstage, he looks a lot like Tevya from Fiddler on the Roof. His character is an old drunken man who is hard of hearing, which creates some very funny moments. His goal to have alcohol and drink it whenever he can causes all kinds of havoc as other cast members keep it away from him.
I highly recommend seeing Cache Theatre Company’s Noises Off in Logan today or Monday before it disappears. And stay for all three acts. Recommended for audiences who want a good rip-roaring laugh, but I rate it PG-13 for mild language and suggestive references. But any tween who can stay for three acts will enjoy Noises Off.
Cache Theatre Company presents Noises Off by Michael Frayn.
The Utah Theatre 18 W Center Street, Logan, UT 84321
February 7-11, 2019 7:30 PM Thu-Sat and Mon, Sat matinee 1:30 PM
Tickets: $12-15
Contact: cachetheatrecompany@gmail.com
Cache Theatre Company Facebook Page
Noises Off Facebook Event
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