Goodrich-Steve Mitchell is at it again.
In eight years as director of the high school’s drama/theatre department Mitchell has directed 16 plays, not-to-mention a daytime coffee house and the yearly ‘improv show.?
Yet, his latest theatrical endeavor, ‘Noises Off,? which a cast of nine began rehearsing for in late September, may be his most intriguing.
‘I would have to give this play a PG-13 rating,? said Mitchell. ‘It is definitely not something I would consider suitable for all ages. I would suggest coming to this play and throughout all the acts I expect the audience to be roaring with gut laughter.?
The production is considered by critics a play within a play and described as a sex farce. Written by Michael Frayn, the play premiered in 1982. Act one is the dress rehearsal for a show that will take place the next day. The act shows the cast still memorizing lines, missing cues, and plates of sardines. Act two is at a matinee performance a month later. This act is shown from backstage, which portrays the relationships the cast have with each other offstage. Act three is the performance at the end of a 10-week run, showing the excitement everyone has to be finished with the play.
The $10,000-plus set is still under works. The set has two sides, and rotates in a 360-degree circle on the stage. There are working doors and a grand staircase. In most plays of the past only one side of the set is seen at all times. This is the first play at Goodrich that will have a full two sides for the audience’s entertainment.