The area’s leading community theatre group, Entertainment, Inc!, is currently producing their third production of the season—Noises Off!  The plot for Noises Off plays on the concept of a play within a play.  Each of the three acts of Noises Off contains a performance of the first act of Nothing On.  Much of the comedy emerges from the subtle variations in each version as off-stage chaos affects on-stage performance, with a great deal of slapstick.  It has become a staple of both professional and community theatres alike and it has earned Tony Award nominations for Best Play and won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble.

Noises Off is directed by Entertainment, Inc!’s Artistic Director B. Michael Quale.  Unlike this season’s first two productions, the Noises Off cast is completely veteran Entertainment, Inc! actors.  Susan Snyder takes on the role of Dotty Otley who plays Mrs Clackett.  The Director of Nothing On, Lloyd Dallas, is played by Justin Parkinson.  The rest of the cast includes J.C. LaBar as Garry Lejeune ( Roger) Paula Swenson as Brooke Ashton (Vicki), Lee Ann Clark as Poppy Norton – Taylor, Eric Pozgay as Frederick Fellowes (Philip),  Jennifer Summerfield as Belinda Blair (Flavia), Travis Gudmunsen as Tim Allgood, and last, but not least, Ted Lindseth as Selsdon Mowbray (Burglar).

One of the most challenging aspects of producing Noises Off is the construction of the set.  It has to be capable of being completely reversed for Act Two.  It also needs to be 16 feet high and two stories tall.  The challenge is the limited space of the Old Armory Theatre’s stage due to a 12 foot arch.  This seemingly impossible challenge met its match with Williston’s own Duane Anderson.  Having had a vision of its construction for years, Duane set to work building the set through the Christmas break.  Working many long hours, Duane had the structure mainly completed even before rehearsals began; something unheard of for Entertainment, Inc!.  Theatre-goers may truly find it to be the most impressive aspect of the production.  Whereas most theatre groups build the set in two or more pieces, Duane created a 16 foot high, 22 foot wide by 20 foot deep two-story revolving set which turns below the twelve foot arch.  When all is said and done, the set can be rotated and ready in less than one minute.

For those who wish to see this hilarious production, tickets may be reserved on February 1^st by calling the box office at 701-577-3179.  Season Ticket holders and Patrons may begin reserving their tickets as early as January 28^th.   Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $6 for students.  Group discounts are available.  Please call for details.  For further information, feel free to visit Entertainment, Inc!’s website at www.entertainmentinc.org.