Saint Viator Spring Play Tackles Classic Farce

Saint Viator theater students have been training meticulously on their timing as they prepare to present "Noises Off," a classic and uproariously funny farce by Michael Frayn. Performances run April 7 through 10 in the Jeuck Auditorium at the Arlington Heights school.

"Like any farce, 'Noises Off' requires impeccable timing, not only in how and when lines are delivered but in the movement of the actors as well," said Megan Gray, director and member of the Saint Viator fine arts faculty. "Both casts have been working very hard on every detail of the production. I think our audiences will be delighted with the show."

Making the scheme more entertaining, "Noises Off" is about a group of actors putting on a show. The audience gets to see not only what is happening on stage but also the backstage chaos as the show slowly unravels. The show's title is derived from a theater cue related to sound coming from offstage.

While Gray is directing a show within a show, she is also doing it with two casts.

"We are able to do a show like this because we have such an outstanding group of established actors," Gray said. "It has been a really fun experience working with them and seeing them tackle this new type of production."

Cast members include Vincent Cedrik Alcedo, Claire Capra, Erin Cavendar, Margaret Fecko, Bree Fernandez, Bridget Flood, Mia Garcia-Morici, Paige Longstreet, Paige Natindim, Declan Newell, Shannon Newell, Taylor O'Donnell, Chris Rapala, Yingtong "Ruby"Ren, Mary Rittle, Paul Schultz, Rory Whetstone and Abby Young.

"Our tech crew has really been put to the test with this show as well, creating not just a two-story home, but one that rotates," Gray added. "There is much more than just a basic set, and in a farce, props are often essential to the story."

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 7, 8 and 9, and 2 p.m. on the 10th. Tickets are available at https://www.saintviator.com/student-life/fine-and-performing-arts/noises-off.