Noises Off
Due to popular demand, Cygnet Theatre has extended the run of this show. It's one thing to put a horse through its paces. Director Sean Murray puts thoroughbred actors through a three-act steeplechase in Michael Frayn's helter-skelter, longish farce about the on- and back-stage doings of a British touring company. An excellent cast keeps funny what in lesser hands could become monotonous (the farce piles ineptitude upon ineptitude and loses some oomph by Act 3). Most of their work resembles a silent film: speechless, they employ often hilarious gestures and movements (thanks to George Ye's intricate stunts, including Jason Heil's breathtaking spill down the stairs). Rosina Reynolds and Jessica John, Craig Noel Award winners for drama, show they're just as adept at comedy. And Jonathan McMurtry, as a doddering thespian, remains the Clown Prince of same. Sean Fanning's ingenious, eight-door set swivels from on- to backstage. The crew that built it merits special mention.
Worth a try.
When
Ongoing until Sunday, September 6, 2009
Hours
| Sundays, 2pm & 7pm |
| Wednesdays, 7:30pm |
| Thursdays, 7:30pm |
| Fridays, 8pm |
| Saturdays, 2pm & 8pm |