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ARTS
[ Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 ]

Backstage
Student play promises night of laughter

For The Collegian

"Pure entertainment" is how director Dan Carter describes Noises Off, an anomalous show that allows the audience to see it from a backstage perspective, the opposite of the conventional play.

The Penn State School of Theatre will be performing the show until Nov. 20.

The cast includes theatre graduate students Erin Roberts, Todd Courson, Aaron Galligar-Steirle and Quinn Mattfeld; theatre undergraduate students Rachel Barthmaier, Tim Portnoy and Chelsea Compton; theatre arts professor Jane Ridley; and professional actor and guest performer Brian Humphrey.

If you go
What:
Noises Off
Time:
8 p.m.
Date: today, tomorrow and Nov. 16 to 20
Place: Playhouse Theatre
Details: Tickets are $14.

The show is directed by Carter, who is also the head of the School of Theatre.

What's the catch?

"This play is about the unluckiest cast in the world," Carter said. "Everything goes wrong."

Carter said the play would be perfect for a student-based audience, inducing "lots of belly laughing."

"Students will get to see their fellow students in a comedic light," he said. "People will come and laugh; there is no deep meaning here."

In addition to student actors, stage manager Jessie Kovell (senior-stage management) said students play a significant role in the production aspect of the show.

"The show is mostly student-run; however, faculty advisers work as designers," Kovell said.

Both the students and faculty involved with the show have been working hard to master the demanding physicality the show requires.

Known for its slapstick-style comedy and dry humor, Noises Off involves a good amount of physical humor that has been tweaked and perfected during five weeks of rehearsal.

Roberts described the show as "physically laborious," an aspect she thinks adds to the show's appeal.

"It is a good family show, offering slapstick, physical comedy and subtle body humor that is good for adults as well," Roberts said.

She added that the cast was especially excited to have the opportunity to work with Carter.

"It is great to work with him as an artist; he usually wears an administrative hat," Roberts said.

Both Roberts and Courson agreed that students should come to see Noises Off to enjoy the comedic aura the show has to offer.

"At this stage of the semester, it's nice to laugh," Courson said.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. today, tomorrow and Nov. 16 to 20. Tickets are $14.

 



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