“Noises Off” Milwaukee reviewed by Amy Menzel

[rating=4]Regular theater-goers are likely familiar with the production Noises Off. The show follows the company of Nothing On from their rough (really rough) dress rehearsal through their (somehow) rockier run. It’s a fun and really funny show that allows the audience to see behind the scenes (literally) while the players in this play-within-a-play run amok. Still, Milwaukee theater-goers may be surprised that Noises Off is running now through April 2 at Skylight Music Theatre…because, well, it’s not a musical. Director (and Skylight’s Artistic Director) Michael Unger says he “found a little loophole woven into the quirky and storied fabric of [the Skylight] institution.”

I, for one, think we need to push the boundaries when it comes to artistic expression. That said, I wasn’t initially convinced this approach was going to work. The play, yes. I was certain the play was in good hands with Unger at Skylight and one look at the cast list assured me that my certainty was warranted. Jake Horstmeier and Emma Knott return to the Skylight stage after their great performances in Mamma Mia! earlier this season, and Matt Daniels returns after his incredible performance as Ernest Shackleton at Skylight last season (and, more recently, his marvelous performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at The Milwaukee Rep). I just wasn’t sure this popular farce needed yet another layer. There’s already a program within the playbill because of the play-within-a-play. It’s a production in three acts so we get to see the opening act of Nothing On going spectacularly wrong in remarkably different ways three separate times. And the set is designed so that we see one of those ways (act II) from backstage (thanks, scenic designer Todd Rosenthal!). That seems like enough of an undertaking.

Still, they said, let’s add some music.

If you’re going to do it, you need some great musicians. Skylight’s got ‘em. Music Director Kurt Cowling (keyboard) has gathered a talented group, including Jon Lovas on reeds, percussionist Michael (Ding) Lorenz, and vocalist Leah Gawel. The Sardines (a name with a comedic nod to the show) play tunes by the ‘90s neo-lounge music group Combustible Edison. Two 15-minute intermissions and some accompanying allow the group to perform 16 tunes in all.

The approach is different, of course, and I found myself a bit perplexed early in the first intermission. Gawel did welcome folks to step out or grab a drink at the Skylight Bar & Bistro, but the band had just returned to the stage. I felt compelled to stay and appreciate their performance. My rule-following nature nagged at me. What’s the protocol here? My worries, as usual, were unwarranted. Folks flowed in and out of the house with ease and many swayed along to the numbers while they mingled. The neo-lounge music created a comfortable lounge atmosphere and I quickly settled in and enjoyed it.

There may be an opportunity here. I’m imagining Skylight welcoming Milwaukee-based musicians and groups to collaborate in similar ways. I’d be interested, especially having seen how Skylight has pulled the approach off with this production.

It is a full evening at the theater. “Noises Off” runs 2 hours and 30 minutes with two intermissions. I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy most if not all of those minutes. I know I did.

★★★★

Noises Off plays now through April 2 at Broadway Theatre Center’s Cabot Theatre located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

Saturdays – 7:30 p.m. (Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on March 25)
Sundays – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays – 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday matinee at 2 p.m. on March 22)
Thursdays and Fridays – 7:30 p.m.

An ASL-interpreted performance will be held on Thursday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. Call the Box Office or email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org and mention the ASL performance for appropriate seating.

Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org or you can call the Box Office at 414-291-7800.

The Skylight Bar & Bistro is open 90 minutes prior to each curtain and during intermissions. An assortment of beer, wine, soda, and light snacks are available.

Folks looking to grab a cocktail after the show may want to pop into Copper Turtle Brewing right around the corner on 330 E Menomonee Street. The venue was lively but not St.-Patrick’s-Day lively Friday night.

Skylight offers $5 discounted parking vouchers for use in the garage at 212 N. Milwaukee Street. Vouchers are valid between 5 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. for evening performances. Matinee vouchers are valid 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vouchers are not valid for Wednesday matinees and are not sold during intermission.