Welcome to Manalapan High School’s Production of Noises Off!
In Noises Off, writer Michael Frayn has not only captured the ridiculousness and hysterical situations and precise comic timing that typify classical farce, but he’s presented it in a modern setting with characters we recognize. It follows the real lives of a ‘professional’ touring theatre company and their production of the farce, “Nothing On”. These tense and emotional actors fumble with bothersome props, very many doors and ridiculous characters. There is also an overworked stage manager and an exasperated director all of whom insist, “the show must go on”.
This is the fourth show I am directing at Manalapan High School, and I can honestly say it has been the most fun. What you are about to see tonight is a combination of hard work, hugs, and laughter. I am in awe of how these nine student actors have been able to rise to the mental and physical challenges this show demands and make it come to life.
I could not do it without the help of my production team and the incredible students I have had the opportunity to work with. First I would like to thank my technical director Andrew Ciraulo. Thank you for being my right hand man and working tirelessly on the set! To the crew, I hope you know how grateful I am for all the hard-work and long hours it took to build a set that not only looks great but can completely rotate! Next, I want to thank all of the parents who volunteered their time, none of this would be possible without you. I would also like to thank my Dad who generously gave his time to help build the set. You are always willing to go the extra mile to get things done right. You’re the best!
To the Manalapan High School administration, thank you for the opportunity to direct this show and all of your support.
Lastly, I want to thank my incredibly talented cast. Thank you for the afternoons full of laughs. You all have proven to be true professionals and have dedicated your lives over the past eight weeks to make this show a success. I am so proud of you all. It has been so fun watching you become your characters both on stage and off!
So let me just say one more word,
SARDINES!
Enjoy the show and thank you for coming.
“That's what it's all about. Doors and sardines. Getting on - getting off. Getting the sardines on - getting the sardines off. That's farce. That's the theatre. That's life.”
-Lloyd Dallas
