Rice Theatre to perform raucous comedy ‘Noises Off’ Nov. 12-20

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

Rice University Theatre and the Rice Players will present the lively comedy “Noises Off” Nov. 12-20 at Hamman Hall.

The play-within-a-play employs myriad props, a maze of doors and some of the most klutzy, but indestructible, actors as it follows the cast and crew of a one-act flop, “Nothing On,” as it progresses from the last rehearsal to the complete and utter chaos of closing night. “Noises Off” gives audiences a rare view of every aspect of performance, including the usually hidden and silent goings-on backstage.

Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” won the 1983 Tony Award for Best Play. The New York Times described it as “the most dexterously realized comedy ever about putting on a comedy.”

The Rice production of “Noises Off” is directed by Justin Doran. He has more than 100 professional credits regionally and locally as an actor, director and producer — most recently with the Alley Theater Resident Acting Company. Doran’s work consistently tops the best-plays-of-the-year list compiled by the Houston Chronicle, and he was selected best actor by the Houston Press. His passion for new works led him to “Becoming Kinky: The World According to Kinky Friedman” at Stages Theatre and to the critically acclaimed direction of “The Great Storm” at The Obsidian Art Space. Doran’s work as a director and producer can currently be seen locally at the University of Houston’s Blaffer Gallery in his filmed theater collaboration “Oil” with Germany-based artist Amy Patton.

Matt Schlief created the set design for “Noises Off.” He is the production manager and lecturer of visual and dramatic arts/theater at Rice. He designed costumes for “Among the Thugs” at the Horse Head Theatre, where he is a company member. Schlief is also a resident designer for Classical Theatre Company, most recently designing sets and lights for Ibsen’s “Ghosts.”

“Noises Off” performances will be Nov. 12-13 at 8 p.m., Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. and Nov. 18-20 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for Rice alumni, faculty, staff and senior citizens. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 713-348-PLAY or visiting http://arts.rice.edu.