High schoolers prepare to put on 'Noises Off'
Despite its name, the high school’s winter play is anything but quiet.
The play, called “Noises Off,” is a piece by playwright Michael Frayn. Director Carolyn Gomes Viera said that the PG-13 play is chock full of British humor, and is about a cast of actors putting on a play.
“It starts off as a dress rehearsal, the night before they open, and nobody knows what they are doing,” Gomes Viera said. “Everyone’s messing up, and they’re forgetting their entrances and they’re forgetting their lines and having disagreements.”
Act II focuses on what is happening backstage, while “Noises On,” the play within the play, is happening in the background.
“There’s fights, and there is a love triangle or two … and that shows what happens behind set, while the play is still going on,” Gomes Viera said.
Gomes Viera said the students chose “Noises Off” based on the intricate set they needed to build for the production.
“They fell in love with the comedy part of it, but they really wanted to build,” Gomes Viera said. “They fell in love with the idea of building this double-decker, rotating set, and I said, ‘Okay,’ even though it’s kind of a tough play.”
She also said some of the action of the play slips into reality.
“Their Act III, I have given them license to improv a little bit, because there is no way not to,” Gomes Viera said. “Even Act I, they are allowed to ask for lines, as if it was a dress rehearsal. Our actress stage manager is able to give them lines, as if she were the real stage manager of the show.”
Gomes Viera said the total cost of the play came in at about $700, a good $300 less than she had anticipated, largely due in part to donations of time and materials.
“For what we built? Cheap,” Gomes Viera said.
The play will take place Dec. 10 – 12 at 7 p.m. at the high school. For more information, contact Hannah Eddleston at heddleston2018@wareham.k12.ma.us.