Audience members will get a chance to experience life backstage in the K-State theatre department’s production of “Noises Off.”
During “Noises Off,” written by Michael Frayn, characters deal with disasters that go on during a production of a farce called “Nothing On,” according to a recent media release.
Director Charlotte MacFarland, associate professor in theatre, said the performance is “a play within a play,” because in the second act of the play, the set is turned around and the audience gets a glimpse of what can go on behind the scenes.
“In the course of the production, everything goes wrong,” MacFarland said. “It’s slamming doors and people falling down, and it’s pure, unadulterated farce.”
Marci Maullar, managing director of K-State Theatre, said the play moves quickly. She said though the backstage of a show is somewhat exaggerated in the play, the audience does not see everything.
“We’ve got a great group of actors, and they’re putting on this amazing comedy that is just a really good time for anyone that goes to see it,” Maullar said.
The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in McCain Auditorium.
MacFarland said the audience will experience something different since usually only musicals are held in McCain. She said the play fits well there with its two-story set, and the show’s physical comedy presents a big challenge for the cast.
“It’s very hard to do it right,” MacFarland said. “Everyone has to be perfectly and specifically staged.”
MacFarland said a comedy like this might be what people need amid the current economic troubles.
“This show doesn’t require anything of anybody,” she said. “Just sit back, watch and enjoy the show.”
K-State to present backstage farce
Published: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Updated: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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Tickets for “Noises Off” are $13 for the public, $11 for seniors and military and $8 for students and can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium Box Office from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Little Theatre Box Office in the K-State Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or by phone at 532-6428.
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