Starting Nov. 5, Hoover Hall’s stage will light up once more for the nonstop farcical comedy, “Noises Off.” Directed by Mrs. Eastman, “Noises Off” is essentially a play about a play.
“It’s about a play company putting on a play it’s not ready to perform,” Eastman said.
Written in 1982 by Michael Frayn, “Noises Off” is a popular stage comedy. The show has been on Eastman’s mind for a while.
“I’ve always wanted to direct it,” she said.
One concern Eastman had was the size of the cast. With only nine characters, the cast seemed undersized compared to most of the other plays produced at Hoover.
“I was worried that the cast was small,” she said.
Deciding that she did not want to disappoint the many who auditioned, Eastman came up with a solution.
“I double cast all the girl roles to give more opportunity to bask in the limelight,” she said.
Senior Jenny Mayer, who appeared in Hoover’s “The Father of the Bride” and in one of last year’s “Scene” skits, said that “Noises Off” is a good choice.
“The play itself is really fast,” she said.
Not only are the actors important to the show, the crew working backstage is a necessary part that without, the play would be impossible to make.
Senior Kasey Climes is one of the many crew members for the show. Acting as the assistant stage manager, her job entails plenty of work.
“I manage one side of the stage,” she said. “I tell the actors their cues and make sure props get on stage.”
Other jobs that help the play run smoothly include sound and lighting.
“For sound, it’s not going to be that difficult,” she said.
According to Climes, the stage will need to revolve so it can show both the front of the stage and the backstage area.
Described as being PG-13 by Eastman, “Noises Off” is friendly for middle schoolers and up. Unlike tragic dramas, comedies are the best way to brighten up one’s day.
Eastman said the play will be “a fun, good time because [the audience] will laugh a lot.”