Falling down the stairs, pants-dropping, and oh, the double-takes. It’s like someone took all the classic tropes of comedies gone by and made a megamix of them.
Now, I’m a man of culture. My father raised me on programs like “Three’s Company,” and I’ve worshiped at that alter of comedy since I was a child. So my palate for romps is a touch more sensitive than your average joe. Therefore, when I say that this show is nuttier than Chinese chicken salad, you know how seriously I take those words.
I was lucky enough to catch this Arts Club production at the start of 2020 during its run at the Stanley Theatre. Now remounting at New West’s Massey Theatre, the show is looking like it will retain all of its bombastic energy, and if anything, the cast will have gotten even tighter in their timing.
What’s commonly thought of as one of the best modern farces, Noises Off demands a lot of its cast. Rapid-fire cues, outrageous physicality, and the deep commitment to looking the fool.
Is it ridiculous? Indeed. Will you be laughing at yourself despite the absurd lengths it goes to? Without a doubt. This is effectively the perfect show to be staging right now, and it’s no wonder why it’s come back. Life is far too heavy not to pause a moment and laugh at a guy with a moustache repeatedly falling down the stairs.
Noises Off runs from Feb 15-27 at the Massey Theatre
For Tickets: masseytheatre.com
Cover photo by David Cooper
