UTPA’s University Theatre Productions will present its first play of the year, Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” from March 3- 8.
“Noises Off” is a play within a play in which the audience gets a glimpse of what happens on stage as well as backstage. It follows the cast, crew and director of a play called “Nothing On,” a British sex comedy, while they try taking the production to Broadway.
Originally a one-act British play, it has developed into a three-act deal over the years and has been tweaked to appeal to an American audience.
“It’s just a classic farce,” says the play’s director, Jack Stanley. “It shows the best and worst of what can happen during a production and takes it to the extreme.”
The cast members echoed this appraisal.
“It’s a bunch of running around; it’s just chaotic,” says Cassandra Dean, a TV/film major who acts in the play.
Stanley hopes “Noises Off” will help the audience get a better understanding of what goes into forming a production. It captures what really can go wrong in a show. He selected the play last year and has been working on it for about six months. It has some interesting scenes.
“It’s an all-out farce, pretty much anything goes. One character is in her underwear the whole show,” Dean said.
One thing that has helped the play come together smoothly, according to Dean is the casting.
“It’s been a lot of fun. We all feed off each other really well,” she said. “I think Dr. Stanley did a great job casting.”
With all the chaos and half-naked people running, around “it’s not a children’s play,” warned Stanley. As always, children younger than third-grade age will not be allowed to enter.
If you really want to see all the exciting commotion that is happening backstage, this is the perfect opportunity.
“Noises Off” is set to run March 3-6 at 8 pm, March 7 at 2 p.m. and a final benefit performance March 8 at 8 p.m. at the Albert L Jeffers Theatre in the Communication Arts & Sciences Building.
Reserve seating is $12.00, general admission is $8.00, $3.00 for non-UTPA students and UTPA students/faculty/staff get in for free plus a guest with valid UTPA ID.
For reservations or more information please call the University Theatre Box Office at 956 381-3581.
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