Chelsea High School Drama Club advisor Amy Czarnowski describes the play “Noises Off” as “very funny – it’s originally a British farce that we have sort of put our own take on it.”
“We” are the nine cast members and eight crew members from the Drama Club who will present the first of three performances of Noises Off tonight at 7 p.m. at the CHS Auditorium.
“The set is cast member No. 10,” says show director Czarnowski. “The set has a huge role in this production.”
While the original play takes place in a 16th century posset mill, the CHS version takes place in a 20th century beach house on Cape Cod.
More than 30 students auditioned for roles in the production in September. The cast and crew have been teaming up at rehearsals for the past eight weeks in preparation for the club’s first production of the school year.
Why comedy and why Noises Off?
“I saw the production on Broadway and I remember seeing the movie as a kid,” said Czarnowski who’s overseeing the production with producer/CHS teacher Carol Resnek. “I saw the revival and I thought it was hysterically funny. I felt working on a comedy was something that our students could benefit from – how to be funny on stage. I think our audiences will be rolling in the aisles.”
Czarnowski is in her eleventh year as the advisor of the drama club. The club has grown considerably in stature and popularity since its inception, regularly drawing sellout audiences to its productions.
“It’s just such a pleasure to see how the students have helped this program grow,” said Czarnowski.
Samuel Ingram is appearing in his sixth Drama Club production. Ingram is playing the part of Lloyd, the director.
“I think we’re definitely ready to present a funny and successful show,” said Ingram, who hopes to study Acting and Drama in college.
Echoing the thoughts of his fellow cast members, Ingram said Ms. Czarnowski has shown that when you work hard to reach a goal and prepare yourself well every day, success can be achieved.
“She’s awesome – she’s really working well with us,” said Ingram. “She’s inspiring us by making sure that we bring the best out of ourselves that we can be. We’re a close-knit cast and crew and we help each other out.”
Kariana Sipple-Santos has been performing in plays since she was six years old. She took acting and dance classes at the Jordan Boys and Girls Club.
“Drama is a way for me to express myself and get out there and meet some awesome people and have a great time because this is something I love to do,” said Sipple-Santos, who’s looking at Emerson College, Salem State, and the Berklee School of Music. “Our director [Czarnowski] gives us amazing advice and she’s always there to help us. This play is really funny and I know audiences will love it.”
(The CHS Drama Club presents Noises Off Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the CHS Auditorium. All performances are at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 617-466-5000).