Theatre 319 to put on ‘Noises Off’ at Aurora University

Theatre 319 will bring its high-energy production of “Noises Off” to Aurora University on April 9-10. The classic backstage farce by Michael Frayn follows a troupe of actors attempting to stage a play called “Nothing On.”

As tempers flare and misunderstandings spiral, the cast’s offstage drama becomes even more chaotic than the show they are trying to perform. Known for its rapid-fire pacing and precision timing, “Noises Off” is celebrated as one of the most technically demanding comedies in modern theater.

Theatre 319, based in Plainfield, is a volunteer-driven company located about 45 minutes from Chicago. The region is home to more than 200 theaters within an hour’s radius. What sets Theatre 319 apart, said president Maggie Dix, is its commitment to hands-on theater education.

“Our focus is on learning through experience,” Dix said. “We want to bring communities together while preparing the next generation of theater artists for their careers.”

The company began as a creative project in hotel room 319 and has since grown into a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering artistic expression and live performance.

Taking on “Noises Off” is a significant undertaking for the group. The show’s physical comedy and intricate staging require exact coordination to make the onstage mayhem appear effortless.

“It’s a huge — but good — challenge for our entire team,” Dix said. “We are pushing far beyond our expectations every day. Our director keeps actor safety at the top of the priority list, especially with a show this physically demanding.”

Seats are limited. Performances will be at 5:45 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 9-10, at Perry Theatre, 349 S. Gladstone Ave. in Aurora. Recommended for ages 12 or older; content warnings: mild adult themes

Tickets are $16.30 or $5.49 for students. Tickets are available at theatre319.org/tickets.html.