Forget about hitting the gym this weekend. Just come see the OpenStage Theater & Company’s production of “Noises Off” and you will laugh yourself a brand new six-pack.
Most people consider “Noises Off” to be the funniest play in the history of its genre.
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“It’s doors slamming, trousers dropping, sardines flying, and people just running around being silly … the audience will laugh until their sides hurt,” said Judi Allen, assistant artistic director for OpenStage.
Starting Saturday, March 30 at 8 p.m., “Noises Off” will be running through April at the Lincoln Center.
“Noises Off” is a play about an acting company putting on a show where everything that could possibly go wrong does just that. The audience will receive the hilarious backstage perspective of putting on a play.
“It’s choreographed chaos — timing is everything for this show,” Allen said. “It’s really a lot of physical work for the actors; there is a lot of running around.”
Michael Frayn wrote the play in 1982, having developed the idea while watching one of his other productions from in the wings.
Frayn said, “It was funnier from behind than in front, and I thought that one day I must write a farce from behind.”
This will be the third time that Open Stage has produced “Noises Off,” continuing its trend as one of the most frequently produced plays in modern theater.
“I am a huge fan of slapstick, physical comedy,” Allen said. “I can guarantee that everyone will have a great time.”
Dan Tschirhart, portraying character Lloyd Dallas, said, “I couldn’t ask for a better cast. I love coming to rehearsal and having the chance to work with these awesome people.”
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Also, OpenStage is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year; it was co-founded in 1973 by Denise Freestone, who acts as producing artistic director for the company.
“Through all the battles and trials, it’s so rewarding after 40 years to have built such a strong community of artists,” Freestone said.
OpenStage produces six shows each year, five of which are hosted by the Lincoln Center here in Fort Collins.
“I’m very excited about OpenStage’s next 40 years and all the young artists that will take it over,” Freestone said.
The audience will also have the opportunity to see Freestone in action as she portrays character Dotty Otley in the show.
Buy your tickets soon at tickets.lctix.com or the Lincoln Center box office and “Be prepared to laugh a lot!” Freestone said.
Music and Performing Arts Beat Reporter Peyton Garcia can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com.