Dallas Review: Allen Community Theatre Presents “Noises Off”
Shawn Stalter, Chief Dallas/Ft. Worth Critic
Allen Community Theatre swings the door wide open for some big laughs with their high-energy production of Michael Frayn’s popular farce, “Noises Off.”
In “Noises Off,” audiences enjoy an intimate, behind-the-scenes view of a traveling theatre company as they prepare for, and perform, the fictitious British comedy, “Nothing On.” However, continually shifting romantic interests combined with larger-than-life personalities sparks drama backstage and threatens to derail the show.
The first act begins deceptively slow as we witness the cast’s final rehearsal for the fast-approaching opening night of “Nothing On.” Throughout this act, the show’s director, “Lloyd,” played by Mark Massey, works tirelessly to wrangle the cast and get the show on its feet. Despite his best efforts though, lines are forgotten, cues are missed, props malfunction and plates of sardines never appear where or when they are needed. The second act takes us behind the stage to see the dynamic duo of Bethany Brown as “Polly” the forlorn stage manager and Benjamin Meaders as “Tim” the overworked stagehand, face the impossible task of reining in the cast’s outlandish behavior. By the third act, the train officially plummets off the tracks amid a flurry of onstage surprises and more misplaced plates of sardines, of course.
In Allen Community Theatre’s capable hands, “Noises Off” came to life fully infused with the antics and shenanigans which make this a laugh out loud show. Under Carol M. Rice’s exceptionally attuned direction, the dynamic cast kept the optimal pace to help slow-cook the mounting tension before, ultimately, allowing it to boil over into its hilarious finale.
Each member of this standout cast excelled in their roles and crafted some uproariously funny comedy. Hayley Ewerz portrayed her role as “Belinda/Flavia” with an expressive flair that helped trace her devolution from a level-headed, gregarious member of the cast to an actress on the verge of a breakdown. As “Garry/Roger,” Joel Hashop gave an ideal performance of the nervously-forgetful English “gentleman” turned jealous ex-lover as the cast’s offstage romantic interests realign. Last but not least, Sarah Perkins’ “Brooke/Vicki” was a massive hit with the audience. Flowing in and out of her two characters with ease, her intentional over-acting and failure to adapt her lines to the evolving events of the show were both standout moments from this well-rounded production.
Beyond the precision timing and top-notch acting from this cast, both the stage design from Carol M. Rice and Lamar Graham, as well as lighting courtesy of Greg Cotton, helped make this a must-see show. Specifically, the masterful lighting in act two accentuated the setting’s intimate, up-close-and-personal view of the action, all while maintaining the illusion of the presence of an audience on the other side of the stage.
Overall, Allen Community Theatre’s production of “Noises Off” is a splendidly entertaining show, bursting at the seams with high-tempo hilarity. DFW theatregoers and comedy fans shouldn’t miss out on a chance to catch this spectacular show.
“NOISES OFF”
Allen Community Theater’s production of “Noises Off” is directed by Carol M. Rice and runs through February 16th, 2020. The cast includes Deborah Key as “Dotty/Mrs. Clackett,” Mark Massey as “Lloyd,” Joel Hashop in the roles of “Garry” and “Roger,” Sarah Perkins as “Brooke/Vicki,” Edgar Segura as “Frederick/Philip,” Hayley Ewerz as “Belinda/Flavia,” Bethany Brown as “Poppy,” Budd Mahan as “Selsdon” and the “Burglar” and Benjamin Meaders as “Tim.” The production also features stage management from Maddy Maslow, set design by Carol M. Rice and Lamar Graham, costuming from Sakura Brunette and Kelsey Reynolds, lighting from Greg Cotton and sound design by Jason Rice.
Reserve seats for an upcoming performance by visiting https://allenscommunitytheatre.net/ or by calling (844) 822-8849.
Photo credit: Allen Community Theatre