Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy "Noises Off" Opens at HCPAC

(Sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)

By Michael V. Hannigan

"Noises Off" is uproarious mayhem from start to finish.

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the newest production by the Henderson County Performing Arts Center Wednesday night, and I highly recommend seeing the show.

More than once, I found myself not just laughing, but shouting out in shock at the slapstick humor and brilliant timing.

Allison Martin directs an ensemble double cast of familiar faces in this farcical play within a play.

“I am so excited to offer Athens and the local community a chance to watch this fantastic production,” Martin said. “This production will have everyone roaring with laughter.”

The plot follows a turbulent theater production where everything that can go wrong does, both onstage and backstage. The actors in the fictional play, "Nothing's On," are constantly battling missed cues, forgotten lines, and personal drama, all while attempting to keep their performance afloat.

In addition to the onstage chaos, the set itself becomes a character, shifting from the stage to behind the scenes, and then back again, as the hardworking production team rotates the performance area right before the audience’s eyes.

If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud night at the theater, "Noises Off" is an absolute must-see.

"Noises Off" opens Thursday, Sept. 19, and runs through Sept. 29. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at hcpac.org or here.

The double cast includes:

• T. Gordon Mayhall as Lloyd Dallas

• Kyle Johnson as Garry Lejuene/Roger

• Jari Martin as Frederick Fellowes/Phillip Brent

• Declan Phelan as Selsdon Mowbray

• Shaydi Clary as Poppy Norton - Taylor

• Catherine Newton as Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett

• Jan Johnson as Dotty Otley/Mrs. Clackett

• Ty Martin as Tim Allgood (Blue Cast)

• Jesse Dominguez as Tim Allgood (Red Cast)

• Kara Davis as Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent (Blue Cast)

• Kris Midthun as Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent (Red Cast)

• Rachel Williams as Brooke Ashton/Vicki

• Bree Wright as Brooke Ashton/Vicki

The production team includes:

• Timm Zitz, Assistant Director and Set Designer

• Joclyn Ewers, Assistant Director, Stage Manager and Set Designer

• Pat Jousan William, Assistant Stage Manager

• Jewel Hood, Assistant Student Director and Costumes

• Kit Weed, Assistant Student Stage Manager and Costumes

• Eric Davis, Set Designer and Construction

• Randy Ewers, Set Designer and Construction

• Laken Jenkins, Sound

• Audrey Martin, Light Design

• Remus Wells, Light Design and Light Board Operator

• Kristin Stewart, Stage Crew

• Tony Martin, Set Crew

• LaDonna Davis, Acting Coach

• Patrick Wauscheck, Set Design and Construction

HCPAC's season sponsors include Lakeside Health and Wellness, Trinity Valley Community College, Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts Center, Reigning Jewels Fine Jewelry, First State Bank, Maria and Dr. Jim Ogburn, Lions Club of Cedar Creek and Greater, and the Athens Area Lions Club.

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Shaydi Clary contributed to this column.