Noises Off

At this writing, there are probably multiple productions of Michael Frayn's inspired farce being performed worldwide. It is arguably one of the best, and it takes a strong cast to pull it off. Split-second timing and a pitch-perfect ensemble must exist for the humor to jell. In this case, all the elements are present.

With a hilariously written playbill in hand, we see a production of "Nothing On" at play's beginning. It is the final dress rehearsal. The beleaguered director, Lloyd Dallas (Bo Foxworth), is having trouble rounding up his actors and getting cues correct. Interpersonal mismatches, alcohol and age-induced memory problems, and madcap mix-ups plague the cast as he tries to cater to his actors. It doesn't help that he is carrying on two affairs: with Poppy Norton-Taylor (Rona Benson)—who is pregnant with his child—and Brooke Ashton (Annie Abrams), a dim blond. Adding to that, one of his key characters is an aging alcoholic, Selsdon Mowbray (Leland Crooke), whom the cast must frequently keep tabs on before he passes out. Seasoned Dotty Otley (Lori Larsen) is the girlfriend of Garry Lejeune (Matthew Miller), though their ages don't quite match. She is friendly with Frederick Fellowes (James Lancaster), whose wife just left him, and Belinda Blair (Maura Vincent) may wish to pick up the pieces. Rounding out the group is the burned-out stage manager, Tim Allgood (Joe Delafield), who is understudying the problematic Selsdon and Frederick.

In three acts we see the first rehearsal, the play's opening from backstage, and finally the play near the end of the run. Pandemonium reigns throughout, as this superior cast handles pratfalls, missing contacts, jealous lovers, and escalating comic insanity with aplomb. Director Richard Seyd leads the ensemble with skill and a great comic touch.

The large La Mirada stage allows scenic designer John Iacovelli to build a handsome set easily maneuvered by the actors backstage and on Act 1's theatrical stage. York Kennedy's lighting design spotlights actors in the onstage and behind-the-scenes scenes.

"Noises Off" can be seen over and over, as the plot isn't as crucial as how the actors execute the production. It shines in this outing.

Presented by McCoy Rigby Entertainment at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sept. 24-Oct. 16. Wed.-Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (562) 944-9801. www.lamiradatheatre.com.