Monday, April 28, 2025

Noises Off @ Great Lakes Theater



Through May 18, 2025
(216) 241-6000


 

Roy Berko

The GLFT proves the old saying in theatre that performing drama is easy but doing farce is hard.  At the end of the performance, half the audience was on its feet cheering, while the rest were in the aisles running for the exits.  Didn’t hate it, but I was caught in the stampede.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop


Perhaps an authentic British production might have rung a few extra laughs, but it's hard to fault such an amazing comedic triumph from a Cleveland company, with especially hysterical performances by Zoe Lewis-McLean as the ultimate bimbo, and Nick Steen as the wimpy nose-bleeding, pants-falling handsome leading actor. They as well as the rest of the cast understand playing it dead serious is the best way to conjure up extra comedic life.


To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

This is a show that slowly builds on itself as the situations become more and more fatuous and out of control. With the slower paced first act, patience is the key to truly enjoy this madcap gem to the end. 

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here


Laura Kennelly

 Carefully-timed classic farce that celebrates comedy’s messy moments. No wonder it’s one of the most popular plays around. The Great Lakes team gives it its proper due, although I did wonder upon leaving, “How would I know if panicked players playing players in a play made up a line?” (But that’s just me, recalling my own real-life onstage panic, not theirs.)..


To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi

The Great Lakes Theater production successfully dealt with these difficulties and challenges, adding some technical surprises and highlighting the strong presence of female actors/characters. 

The set, “another character” in this play, designed by Jeff Herrmann, is stunning; the set for Nothing On illustrates a well-furnished living room that leads to different parts of the house, including bedrooms upstairs and the kitchen downstairs. To name a few, technical “surprises” are added to the doors, windows, and the deer head ornament. Costume designer Oona Natesan designed and prepared layers of garments for key, outrageous moments. Jason Lynch’s lighting design and Patrick John Kiernan’s sound design add comical and hilarious aspects to the show.

To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

J