Inspire Theatre Turns Theatrical Chaos into Magnificent Hilarity in its Upcoming Production of NOISES OFF
WESTLAND — Three staircases. Seven doors. A bathroom on the landing. And a 180-degree flip of the entire set.
Those are just a few of the zanier hallmarks of the English manor house depicted in Noises Off, one of theatre’s most madcap comedies.
Originally produced in London in 1982, the meta-theatrical show follows a hapless theatre troupe trying to perform a sexy comedy titled “Nothing On,” 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, this three-act wonder pulls off the sort of genius flourish that other comedy writers surely wish they’d thought of first: During the first intermission, the set flips around 180 degrees, so the audience watches the actors’ shenanigans from backstage.
Although these logistics have prevented some smaller companies from tackling the show, Managing Director Len Fisher and Co-Director Tim Timmer are counting on everything working on the 5-piece, revolving set. Inspire’s stage is a mere 220 square feet, so creativity is a necessary commodity in this endeavor.
The cast is deriving the benefit (most of the time) of two creatives. Timmer is attending to the lion’s share of set construction while Fisher is handling the producer responsibilities. During the rehearsals, both men offer direction to the cast, along with the support of Assistant Director, Dawn Hansen. Bailey Hansen is assembling a competent stage crew to handle the daunting task of reversing the set for Act Two.
Noises Off opens October 18 and runs for three weekends. Tickets are $22 and are available at https://inspiretheatre.ticketleap.com. Inspire Theatre is located at 33455 Warren Rd. Westland, inside the Westland Center for the Arts.
This show is considered PG-13 and contains adult language and situations.
AUDITIONS AUDITIONS AUDITIONS
Mon. Oct. 21 & Thurs. Oct. 24 6:00-9:00 pm
ATTENTIONS SINGERS WHO LOVE CHRISTMAS. ACTORS WHO LIKE SKETCH COMEDY
(REGISTRATION FORM AND CONFLICT CALENDAR BELOW. PLEASE COMPLETE BEFORE COMING TO AUDITIONS. )
Tired of the same old Christmas Carol year after year? Bored with local stations playing the same old music starting the week before Halloween? Need a break from all the shopping, white elephant gifts, work parties? Or a place to stash out-of-town guests for two hours? Well, HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is what you’re looking for. Christmas at Inspire done the Inspire way. Join us for a night of great music and some original sketch comedy. It won’t be a “Silent Night” at Inspire.
Inspire Announces 20th Season
NOISES OFF
NOISES OFF: Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing On. Doors slamming, on- and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. October 18 - November 3.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Tired of the same old Christmas Carol year after year? Bored with local stations playing the same old music starting the week before Halloween? Need a break from all the shopping, white elephant gifts, work parties? Or a place to stash out-of-town guests for two hours? Well, HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is what you’re looking for. Christmas at Inspire done the Inspire way. Join us for a night of great music and some original sketch comedy. It won’t be a “Silent Night” at Inspire. December 13-22.
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS - the musical
Based on the film of the same name. Smooth-talking Lawrence makes his living by talking rich, single women out of their money. Freddy tries the same, less successfully. The two decide to form a double act but end up competing. Hilarity and confusion ensue as the two men pull out all the steps to prove they are the best con man in town. March 21-April 6.
THE CURIOUS SAVAGE
Ethel P. Savage, tells the story of an elderly woman whose husband recently died and left her approximately ten million dollars. Contrasting the kindness and loyalty of psychiatric patients with the avarice and vanity of "respectable" public figures, it calls into question conventional definitions of sanity while lampooning celebrity culture. Hilarity abounds. June 13-29
Inspire Adds Reserved Seating
What's new
Patrons are now able to choose seats before arriving at theatre. Make sure you get the seat you want - online - https://inspiretheatre.ticketleap.com
Options
Choose your own seat or allow our seating program to select the best seat available. Choosing your own seat only available on laptops and desktop versions. This option is not available on mobile devices.
Assisted seating
Does anyone in your party require assisted seating? Call 734.460.2410 to obtain those seats.
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Call 734.460.2410 to reserve your seat today
The Best of Inspire Theatre - from the safety of backstage
OPPORTUNITIES
Experience the fun of live theatre as one of our indispensable volunteers on our upcoming show.
Prop Master
Responsibilities of a Prop Master
- Read through the script and note all mentioned props
- Discuss what props are required with other members of the team
- Locate any available existing props and/or Work out the best way to make a prop and what materials to use
- Build a team to assist before and during shows
- Set props for each show
- Repair props
Stage Crew
Responsibilities
- Stage Hand – Also known as a stage technician, this role is responsible for moving scenery to the right place at the right time, a vital role in any production.
- Stage Hand reports to the Stage Manager
Email inspire@inspiretheatre.com if interested