NOISES OFF

Your Chicago Guide’s tickets for two to the press viewing of Noises Off courtesy of Steppenwolf Theatre.

The cast and crew of the play Nothing On are scrambling to prepare for opening night. But despite their earnest efforts, the production is an absolute mess. Line flubs and lost props and missed cues, oh my! Can this beleaguered ensemble overcome egos and jealousies to pull the show together in time? Onstage antics collide with offstage foibles in Steppenwolf’s 49th season opener Noises Off, the classic farce that writes an ingenious, slapstick and zany tribute to “theatre people” everywhere. By the end of this dizzying play-within-a-play, you won’t know stage right from left.

Originally produced in London in 1982, this play-within-a play follows a hapless theater troupe trying to perform a sexy comedy where, naturally, nothing goes right. In addition to all the classic farcical elements (slamming doors, running and up down staircases), the cast and crew must cope with errant sardines, uncooperative contact lenses, inconvenient nosebleeds — and, most of all, each other. And if that’s not enough, Noises Off pulls the grandest of theatrics: during the first intermission, the set flips around 180 degrees, so the audience watches the actors’ shenanigans from backstage.

Steppenwolf Artistic Director Glenn Davis says: “Is there any better way to begin our season than by welcoming the visionary Anna D. Shapiro – one of the finest directors working today – back to her home theater? It’s a gift to have Anna back in the building, directing this unruly and demanding farce; I can’t wait to see what she creates with her remarkable cast. And we’re incredibly excited to be producing this in partnership with my dear friend and Steppenwolf ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney, Artistic Director at the Geffen Playhouse. Seeing Steppenwolf’s work onstage across the country, stewarded by fellow ensemble members, is a humbling reminder of the vital contributions Steppenwolf has made to the American theatre for 49 years and counting.”

Noises Off has been called the funniest play ever written, a strong statement indeed. It is somewhat of a departure from Steppenwof’s recent string of dark dramas. In fact, it dis at times strike us as cartoonish. But having digested the experience, I can honestly say that impression was driven by comparison to previous plays. Noises Off stands in a class of its own, unapologetically reaching, no, demanding the audience laugh. And laugh we did, uproariously, side-splittingly, sometimes to the point of tears. An ensemble this good would leave no one lukewarm.

Taking a break from dark dramas can be a good thing, and laughter is the best medicine. Go check out Noises Off, already extended through November 3rd, 2024. You will laugh till your face hurts at the antics on stage. Such an impact can only come from near flawless comedic performances. Sit back and enjoy the wild ride!

Noises Off is currently on stage at the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 North Halsted Street, in Chicago’s Clybourn Corridor neighborhood. You can buy tickets here.