While theatergoers enjoyed cocktails in the handsome courtyard of the Geffen Playhouse, murmurs could be heard all around regarding the length of the evening’s production. The consensus was that two hours and 30 minutes with two intermissions was a daunting commitment. Admittedly, I was also surprised by such a long run time for a comedy.
How foolish we all were to think that the hilarious “Noises Off” would be anything but delightful from its beginning to a triumphant standing ovation.
The Geffen Playhouse and Steppenwolf Theatre Company have co-produced this revival of Michael Frayn’s farcical comedy, “Noises Off.” The play requires impressive feats of acting, directing, and stagecraft. Director Anna D. Shapiro should be congratulated for managing to pull off such a precise and convoluted endeavor along with her cast and crew.
The story follows a fictional theatrical production and its cast as it prepares for a tour throughout England. “Noises Off” cleverly repeats the first act of the fictional play three times: in rehearsal, weeks into the tour, and on the tour's final stop. Suddenly, the three acts and two intermissions make perfect sense.
In the first act, theatre director Lloyd Dallas (Rick Holmes) struggles to wrangle his cast of quirky actors through a stumbling dress rehearsal. Dotty (Ora Jones) can’t remember where to put the sardines, Garry (David Lind) can’t quite articulate his concerns, Brooke (Amanda Fink) can’t find her contact lens, nobody can find Seldon (Francis Guinan), and none of the doors seem to work.
While the characters on stage familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of their play, the audience also learns the way things are supposed to go, making the comedy that much better when it doesn’t.
Audrey Francis is especially impressive among the loony and charismatic cast. Her portrayal of Belinda Blair, the nonchalant gossip and stalwart thespian, is subtly hilarious. Belinda seems to know everyone's business, but also reminds her beleaguered castmates that the show must go on. While giving a reserved performance, her character's precise movements and stark poses made for great physical comedy.
Scenic designer Todd Rosenthal takes full advantage of the Geffen’s rotating stage with a two-sided set; the stage turns 180 degrees for the second act, which takes place behind the scenes. Now familiar with the actors' entrances and exits, the audience can see the madness that takes place backstage as the show marches on.
Stage managers Poppy (Vaneh Assadourian) and Tim (Max Stewart) must find a way to keep the show moving while dealing with multiple romantic entanglements among the cast and interference from Lloyd as he tries to orchestrate his own lusty rendezvous.
While lewd references and adult material are strewn throughout “Noises Off,” the comedy itself is broader and suitable for family viewing. Theatre lovers and newcomers alike will find it very entertaining, and the long run time on paper flies by with fast-paced laughs throughout the show.
Despite the fact that it’s not yet two weeks into February, “Noises Off” could be the funniest show of the year.
“Noises Off” continues at the Geffen Playhouse’s Gil Cates Theatre, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, through March 9, with shows Wednesdays through Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (310) 208-2028 or visiting GeffenPlayhouse.org. Run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including two intermissions.