The farce, 'Noises Off,' opens tonight at Ridgefield High School

Written by Kate Czaplinski, Press Staff
Thursday, 05 November 2009 10:46

“It’s all about the timing,” Ridgefield High School senior Ryan Duncan said of his role in the school’s production of the farcical comedy “Noises Off.”

Tonight, Nov. 5, is opening night for the RHS Visual and Performing Arts Department’s fall production of Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off.” The play is no musical but will keep audiences entertained and laughing straight through.

The story is a play within a play. The Tony Award-nominated play gives the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the production of a dreadfully bad comedy called “Nothing On.”

“Farce is chaos,” said high school actor Stephan Amenta. “There are nine doors opening and closing constantly.”

Most of the actors are playing two distinct parts — that of an actor and the actor’s character in the play.

The cast is small, just nine students and four understudies.

Each scene and part of the play is fast paced to create a frantic energy, the actors said, making it a real challenge not to burst out in laughter.

“When I first read the play, I laughed,” senior Stacey Oliver said. “...To the characters in the show, not much is funny, because they are struggling in their attempt to [entertain] the audience.”

Actor Matt Kirby has a tried and true trick for stopping himself from laughing.

“I lick the roof of my mouth when I don’t have a line,” he said.

Evening performances will take place on Nov. 5, 6 and 7 and Nov.13 and 14 at 7:30 in the Anne Richardson Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and $7 (senior citizens) and are available at the door. Admission for opening night only is $7.

The actors include Nicole Morris, Ryan Duncan, Stephen Mark, Dylan Manderlinck, Anna Gordon, Stephan Amenta, Stacey Oliver, Ben Garbow and Matt Kirby. The understudies are Emily Damon, Kathryn Broccoli, Justin Corsillo and Melody Curran.

The play is directed by Sherry Cox and the stage manager is Emma Evans. A long list of students and staff helped make this fall production a success.

“I’m excited for people to see that every part of this show is funny,” Matt said. —Kate Czaplinski