Submitted on behalf of the BHS Drama Club
Editor’s Note: This Q&A with Director Katrina Faulstich will familiarize readers with the play and the performance
Q: What led you to choose Noises Off for the annual fall play?
A: “This is definitely one of the most ambitious plays we have done at BHS. The set itself is the most demanding set we have ever done. It needs to have two stories, eight doors (plus a window), two staircases, and the whole thing has to revolve 180 degrees. For the actors, it’s a huge challenge as well. Most of the actors are playing two characters: an actor, and the role that the actor is playing in the show, Nothing On. The three acts all use similar dialogue (coming from the “rule of three” in comedic writing), so the actors essentially have to memorize the same thing in three very different ways. They also have to keep track of over 50 props. The comedic timing has to be precise as well. And to top it all off, the students perfect their physical “slapstick” humor – actors walk around with their pants falling down, tripping down stairs, and jump around with their shoes tied together, and spend a good portion of one act acting in complete pantomime.”
Q: How has the cast been handling the show?
A: “The cast and I love this show. Usually with plays we spend a lot more time working on developing character and focusing on the small details that bring those characters to life. The rehearsal process for Noises Off doesn’t leave much time for that. These students have been in character since the first rehearsal and have spent a lot of their own time figuring out their characters. We have to spend so much time in rehearsal on timing, blocking, and simply getting comfortable enough with the material that their characters can really shine through.”
Q: What has your experience been like so far directing the show?
A: “I was a little terrified when I first chose it. I knew we would have the actors for it, but I was nervous about fitting the set into our modest stage. I was also nervous about the memorization and the amount of props. But, it’s been going so smoothly that it doesn’t even feel like work most of the time. We spend rehearsals laughing until we cry, because even though we know the script inside and out and we know the exact joke that’s coming up, it’s so brilliantly written that we still laugh. Author Michael Frayn is a comic genius and Noises Off is pure gold.”
The performances are on November 17th and 18th at 7:00 P.M. and November 19th at 2:00 P.M. in the BHS Auditorium at 9 Mudge Way in Bedford. Tickets cost $10 for students and senior citizens and $12 for adults. Tickets are available online at https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/tickets.html and will be available at the doors before the performance (general seating). The show runs approximately 2 hours and is recommended for those ages 12 and older.
ICYMI: Click on the following links below to learn more about the play and the cast: Read Slamming Doors, Sardines, and Slapstick: BHS Drama Club presents British Comedy “Noises Off” or click here to read The BHS Fall Play: “Noises Off”
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