The Waterfront Playhouse kicks-off their historic 75^th season with the classic comedy, “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn. This hilarious romp about the on – and off – stage shenanigans of a British acting troupe is a tour de force of precise timing and comic ability. Slamming doors, feuding actors, missed cues, girls in their underwear, guys in their underwear and errant plates of sardines are all part of the choreographed chaos. The New York Times called NOISES OFF “A spectacularly funny, peerless backstage farce.”

“Noises Off” will have a gala opening night on Thursday, December 18^th with an after party sponsored by Susan and Stuart Kaufman. Low-priced previews are on December 16^th and 17^th. The production will run until January 10^th and all performances are at 8 PM. Key TV is the show sponsor for “Noises Off.”

“Noises Off” is a farce about putting on a farce with very funny insights into the challenges of putting on a play. Act I introduces the cast and crew during a spectacularly bad dress rehearsal for a mediocre sex farce called, “Nothing On.” The actors struggle with getting their lines, cues, entrances and exits right, as well as keeping track of the many plates of sardines that go on and off the stage.

Act II takes place a month into the run. In a coup de theater the entire set revolves 180 degrees, and the audience is watching the action backstage during a performance. Physical altercations, misplaced props, pranks and a roving cactus plant are all part of the silently choreographed action backstage.

By Act III, the tour is coming to an end, and the production descends into complete and hysterical chaos. The Daily News called it “Bumper car brilliance…If laughter is indeed the best medicine, ‘Noises Off’ is worth its weight in Cipro.”

“Noises Off” manages to serve as both a send-up of the modern farce and a valentine to the form, mocking its triviality while simultaneously delivering an extremely well-crafted example of the genre. It has been a hit on Broadway and the West End – twice. It’s also been translated into dozens of languages and revived throughout the world, making it one of the most produced plays in the repertory.

Directing the high-energy production will be the Waterfront’s Managing Artistic Director, Danny Weathers, who says, “‘Noises Off’ is the most challenging show I’ve ever taken on, and I’ve done some doozies. I think all of the actors who are bearing scrapes and bruises from rehearsals would agree!”

The amazing cast includes David Black, Brandon Beach, Carolyn Cooper, Matt Hollis Hulsey, Tony Konrath, Erin McKenna, J. B. McLendon, Joan O’Dowd and Susannah Wells. The two-level set with nine doors will be designed by the Waterfront’s resident set designer, Michael Boyer. David Bird will design the lights and Carmen Rodriguez is in charge of costumes and props. Trish Manley will act as stage manager and traffic cop.

Preview tickets are $25. Tickets for opening night are $50, which includes the after party. Tickets for other performances are $40. There are discounts for students, military and seniors, as well as the Friday night special of 2 tickets for a total of $60.

Call 305-294-5015 or go to WaterfrontPlayhouse.org for our online ticketing service. You may also call or go to the website to buy season subscriptions, memberships or individual tickets – all of which make great Christmas gifts. “Noises Off” is perfect for the whole family, and student rates are available. Season sponsors for the 2014/15 season are Digital Island Media, Royal Furniture and Key West Web Design.