Noises Off

So, the theater I work at is currently entering our 10th season! Yay for the Spotlight! I am very excited to be a part of such a special event! Now I say that because not only am I the Costume Director of the theater, I am also performing in "Noises Off" the show with which we are kicking off our 10th season! I am very picky when choosing a role, and I only choose one or two shows a year to perform in, so I have to choose good ones. We haven't had a review of the show as of yet, but we did get some publicity in the newspaper. (If you can, come and see the show!)
Here is what I found:

Camille Gavin: Spotlight opens 10th season on a high note with 'Noises Off' Last Updated: Wednesday, Sep 3 2008 11:00 AM

From what I hear, “Noises Off,” which opens Friday at Spotlight Theatre, will give theater-goers an inside look at how behind-the-scenes shenanigans can mangle what’s supposed to happen in front of the footlights.

WHAT: “Noises Off!”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WHERE: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St.
Cost: $15
DETAILS: Call 634-0692

The play, by Michael Frayn, will keep the audience laughing from start to finish, says Hal Friedman, Spotlight’s general manager.

“It’s one of the best theater comedies produced in the last 30 years,” he said. “It’s fast-paced comedy at its best.”

“Noises Off’ is a play within a play. It revolves around a troupe of actors who are presenting a slightly risqué farce. The action begins with the final dress rehearsal, then gathers steam in the second act as various love triangles and other issues threaten to spill over onto the stage. It all comes together — or you might say it falls apart — in the final act. Or, as Friedman puts it, “the audience watches the catastrophe it has become.”

Jarred Clowes, the director, said he took special care in choosing the cast for the show.

“I believe that 90 percent of directing is casting,” Clowes said, “and, with this show, it’s at least twice that. I knew that I needed not only the best actors but the right ones, a cast that would be able to work together and trust one another.”

Obviously, he feels he’s accomplished that goal with the ensemble he’s chosen for “Noises Off.”

“Top to bottom I believe this to be the best cast put together in Bakersfield in a long time,” Clowes said. “I'm constantly amazed at how quickly they are able to pick things up, how professional they've been during a sometimes straining and exacting process, and most of all by their creative drive.”

The cast includes Brian Sivesind, founder of The Empty Space; Kat Brinkley, who turned in a stellar performance as Jo in Spotlight’s “Little Women;” as well as Jack Slider, Ronnie Hargrave, Sarah Taylor, Matt Borton, Jeny Rendt Scott-Sanchez, Alexandra Cullen and Hal Friedman, who is stepping in for Jason Monroe, who was injured Monday.

Performances of “Noises Off” continue weekends through Sept. 27.

SPOTLIGHT MARKS 10 YEARS

To celebrate Spotlight Theatre’s 10th anniversary, its board of directors has planned a party to mark the occasion. It begins at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the theater, immediately following the matinée performance of “Noises Off.”

“We’re saying ‘Wow! It’s been 10 years; now let’s get 10 years more,” said Cathy Butler, who is vice president of the theater’s board as well as president of the Downtown Business Association and recently was elected president of the Arts Council of Kern.

Spotlight was established in 1998 by Emily and Jacques Thiroux, and now is operated as a nonprofit organization. Emily Thiroux will be honored at the event and other awards will be given.

Cost to attend the party is $20. For reservations, call 634-0692.