<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Zl2uU_0vlTSbiB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Zl2uU_0vlTSbiB00" width="1200" height="871" ></figure>For a show that’s designed to go horribly wrong, theater’s “Noises Off” does anything but that.“Noises Off” is a play within a play, chronicling the amazing failure of the play “Nothing On” and the increasingly absurd events that lead up to it. “Noises Off” takes place in three acts: the dress rehearsal, the backstage of the performance and the doomed show itself — each one more hilarious than the last.The characters, who are the cast, director and crew of “Nothing On,” start as somewhat reasonable before but escalate throughout the show. At some point, they end up waving axes around and screaming about sardines, or a lack thereof. The cast of “Noises Off” does an incredible job of portraying the versatility of their roles. It is easy in comedic plays to reduce a character to a caricature, someone just there for the humor with no real development. All the actors in “Noises Off,” however, avoid this gracefully, allowing room for both comedy and depth in every aspect. I almost forgot that the actors weren’t really their characters.The cast is incredible but the standout performances of junior Elyse Brown and senior David Park really take the cake. Brown’s character, Dotty, always has a presence on stage, with big movements and strong character choices that never fail to make the audience laugh. Park’s character of Selsdon is easily one of my favorite parts of the show; he is committed to every single aspect of his character, bringing an already amazing show to the next level.The most memorable part of the show is the set. Not only does it look incredible — with two levels and gorgeous set pieces — but it also folds up and spins around to reveal a completely different “backstage” set during act two.My only issue with “Noises Off” is how hard it is to follow during act two. There is so much happening on stage at the same time and not a lot of dialogue to help explain what is going on. Despite this, I still enjoy the chaos of act two and feel the actors do a good job with what they were given.“Noises Off” is incredible. Everything — from the set, to the stunts, to the actors — is absolutely amazing. The show is hilariously chaotic and wonderfully executed; it is nothing short of a perfect start to the theater department’s year.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Review: “Noises Off” is a perfect start to the theater department’s year

For a show that’s designed to go horribly wrong, theater’s “Noises Off” does anything but that. “Noises Off” is a play within a play, chronicling the amazing failure of the play “Nothing On” and the increasingly absurd events that lead up to it. “Noises Off” takes place in three acts: the dress rehearsal, the backstage of the performance and the doomed show itself — each one more hilarious than the last.