Genesius Theater has done a bang-up job with their current production – “Noises Off.” In fact, I hope the stage crew includes an EMT, because the show has some of the most physical comedy I’ve seen on stage in a long time.
Michael Frayn’s a classic farce is filled with lots of sexual innuendo – both verbal and physical. Its play within a play format presents challenges for the actors because they are essentially playing two characters – the actors and then the actors acting. The latter allows for some over-the top-comedy, that left me with an aching jaw from laughing so hard.
Director L J Fecho has rounded up the area’s best comedic actors to pull off this hilarious romp that takes place on stage and behind the scenes.
The two who are the “Most Likely to Need medical Attention” are Joey Moray as Frederick and James Haggerty as Garry. Moray crashes to the stage floor countless times as he faints at the sight of blood or even the thought of it. He may be permanently black and blue for the run of the show. Haggerty also takes lots of dramatic tumbles throughout the show.
Christine Cieplinski is outrageously funny as Dotty, an actress who is constantly messing up her lines, and Mrs. Oatley the character she plays in “Nothing’s On,” the doomed play they are producing.
The title certainly fits Julia Elberfeld’s character, Brook Ashton, who spends a large part of the play in some elegant unmentionables. Her deliberately exaggerated acting as the young injenue is fun to watch, but her alter ego is even funnier.
Daniel Smith is perfect as the exasperated director, Lloyd, who has had dalliances with some of the ladies.
Beth Linzer plays the most normal person in the cast Belinda, who is constantly try to fix things and she does so with a likeable flair.
Steve Reazor is the consummate comedian as Selsdon, another older actor who misses cues and Reazor’s timing is right on when his character is missing his cues.
Kelly Moray as Poppy, the stage manager, who also serves as an on call stand-in. Moray is particularly charming in an ongoing gag about announcing curtain times. Those scenes are shared with Jeffrey Jones, a newcomer to Genesius, as Tim, the company manager. Their escalating competition over the calls adds continuity to the chaos that Frayne created in this play.
In order for Frayn’s Chaotic action to work, the set has to be ingenious. With multiple doors to accommodate the numerous “ins and outs,” a reversible set that shows the stage and backstage for different acts and having to be incredibly sturdy to make it safe for the cast performing their various antics. Kudos to the team who devised and built the set which is an integral part of the play. It was designed by Brandon Kegerize, L J Fecho and Spencer Moss Fecho and constructed by John Bigos and Betty Gerstner.
If you enjoy bawdy comedy (Think a cross between Shakespeare’s comedies and Monty Python) then “Noises Off: is just the ticket.
It continues through April 7 at Genesius’ 10th and Walnut theater in ReadingShow times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday performances and at 3 p.m. Prices range from $25 for adults to $17.50 for students (must have student ID). For tickets, visit www.genesiusdifference.org; 610-373-9500 – credit card fees apply. Tickets may also be available at the door. The play is rated PG 13 for sexual innuendo and adult situations. Genesius Theatre, located at 153 North 10th St., in Reading, is handicapped accessible and there is free parking (limited spaces available) next to the theater. For more information, call the theater at 610-371-8151.
