The Pittsburgh Tatler: Noises Off (written in 1982 by playwright Michael Frayn, now playing in its 2000 revised version at the Pittsburgh Public Theater) might best be described as a theatrical machine for producing silliness. I choose that word deliberately: “silly” derives from the Old English “seely,” which meant happy, blissful, or blessed, and it is pure bliss indeed to be made to laugh the way this play can make you laugh, particularly in these times when the escape into laughter feels like such a blessed relief.
6 comments:
I will not be able to see Noises Off here in Pittsburgh but I did get to see it this summer. I have heard about this show for a very long time and had high expectations for it. When I did finally see it this summer at Idaho Shakespeare Festival I was underwhelmed. And it seemed like the general vibe from the other people that work at the theatre did not love the show. However, my family absolutely loved the show which I thought was interesting. I think the show loses some of its effect when you work in the field. I didn’t think it was all that realistic which is why I don’t think I found it all that funny. I also felt like it took a long time to build into my favorite is when they do it with the set backwards. I would most definitely see it again but I feel like I watch it through a special lens that maybe takes away from some of the comedy.
Actually last night I walking by the public with a friend from out of town, and was like “hey I should go see this it looks cool.” I was first introduced to the show when my friend did a set design for Thespians, and ever since then I’ve wanted to see the show. I am very interested in the script, considering its the classic show in a show, and even the second act is all in the theatres back stage area, which is pretty cool. From the review I read, it seems very well put together and a very fun time to watch. From the production photos, the set seems very well done, and it will be a technically excellent show to watch. I will most likely be checking this out when I get back from fall break, and I am very excited to see the show. It should be excellent!
My first time seeing Noises Off was a high school production in Colorado and while I enjoyed the show there wasn’t as much nuance to it. Seeing a production that is well done would definitely be interesting. For me farce comedy can be very hit or miss. If it’s done well it’s done really well but if it isn’t done well then it’s a slog to get through. I haven’t been to see this production yet but from the article it seems like it’s much better than the one that I saw. I would definitely like to see this to see for myself what it’s like. All in all I think that this show is a great pick for Pittsburgh. I look forward to seeing what other shows are coming up this season and the interesting artistic direction they take their shows in. Farce comedy isn’t for everyone but I think that this show is a great example of it.
I have never seen a production of Noses Off, and truly, I really don't know much about it, but I have heard many things about the play, and it sounds very interesting with this whole idea of revealing the behind-the-scenes world to the audience. Sadly, I won't be able to see this production of Noses Off, but from the pictures I have seen, it looks truly stunning. The turntable is giant, and I can't believe that the whole house spins; that is so cool. I hope to, at some point, see a production of Noises Off because I think it would be very interesting and cool to see in person. I would also be down to work on a production of Noises Off for the same reason. I think in a world that is as harsh and sterile and depressing as the world we live in now is a fun, joyful, playful production like noise noises off would benefit everyone.
I didn’t get to see Noises Off! BUT I have seen production photos and I love the set. I always gravitate towards wood finishes and the wood panel interior of the home with green walls to me is just very pleasing to look at. I wish I was able to see it because not only have I heard great things about the acting and other design departments, but I’ve been in the mood to see a play that is funny. Something I really wish CMU did more of were interesting plays that are also funny and farcical. I feel like too many of the plays we do are sad, abstract, and boring. Why do we not do plays like Noises Off! That prompt cool effects like turn tables or other shows like The Play That Goes Wrong that have funny effects and tricks in them. I think Noises Off at The Pittsburgh Public Theatre looks like it was a good time and fun show to see. Our plays lack the details the article lists out and the special effects that makes being an audience member or production team member fun.
I am soooooo sad I didn’t get to see Noises Off here in Pittsburgh. This is one of my favorite plays ever, I have so many memories of the first time I ever saw it and then getting to work sound on it the following year for my high school productions. I wish I could’ve gotten to see another version and seen their interpretation of the set, costumes, etc. in person. I have seen pictures though and it looks so cool, every aspect of tech seems so perfect for the show. I can only imagine how funny it must have been live. That show never gets old for me, no matter how many times I see it, it’s just nonstop chaos in the best way possible. I really wish I could’ve been there to see it this time.
Post a Comment