A Comedy of Errors (and Doors): “Noises Off” Brings Big Laughs to Pine Plains

When the Stissing Theatre Guild takes the stage this December with Noises Off, Michael Frayn’s wildly chaotic British farce, audiences can expect a whirlwind of slapstick comedy, theatrical mischief, and perfectly timed door slams. Running Dec. 6–8 at Stissing Mountain High School, the student-acted production promises a holiday highlight for Pine Plains’ arts scene.

Director Gregory Locker, who has helmed the school’s drama program for 16 years, has a personal connection to the play. “I was in it at Marist College 30 years ago this spring, in 1995,” he said. “It was my favorite theatre experience. I wanted to replicate that here in Pine Plains.” For Locker, Noises Off combines the nostalgic appeal of classic sitcoms like Three’s Company with the physical humor of slapstick. “I always loved slapstick,” he added.

Noises Off is a play-within-a-play, chronicling the onstage and backstage antics of a beleaguered theatre company as they rehearse and perform Nothing On. The elaborate set plays a central role, rotating 360 degrees to reveal both the front stage and the chaos behind the scenes. “The set is the 10th character in the play,” Locker said.

Creating such a dynamic set was no small feat. Locker and four community volunteers, led by Carl Baden, brought the ambitious design to life. “Carl Baden is the driving force behind all of the Theatre Guild sets,” Locker said. “He came up with amazing drawings and a concept for the turntables. There are over 60 casters on the bottom of the set — and eight doors for manic entrances and exits!”

This spirit of collaboration, with community members working alongside students, is a hallmark of the Stissing Theatre Guild. “You don’t find this setup at other high schools, where community volunteers work so closely with the high school,” Locker noted. “Positive and enthusiastic adult volunteers are a wonderful thing that Pine Plains has that I don’t think other districts have. This is a rich program. I’m so appreciative of the volunteers — all of them, in every area.”

The nine-member student cast began daily rehearsals in October after auditions in mid-September, though full ensemble rehearsals didn’t start until November, after the fall sports season concluded. “Motivated students do everything,” Locker said, acknowledging the juggling act many young actors manage. “Having everyone together for an ensemble piece like this one wasn’t able to happen until the sports season ended.”

Under Locker’s direction, the Stissing Theatre Guild has produced fall shows since 2019, with past productions ranging from Neil Simon’s Fools to earlier performances at the Stissing Center. Locker’s dedication, combined with the unwavering support of Pine Plains’ community volunteers, continues to elevate the program.

With its intricate set, laugh-out-loud script and a cast ready to bring the zany world of Noises Off to life, this production is set to delight audiences young and old. As Locker put it, “This is going to be a lot of fun.”

Noises Off runs at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7 and at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8.  Reserved seating can be purchased by visiting the Theatre Guild’s online box office SeatYourself. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors (62+). For wheelchair accessible seating call the box office at 1-518-398-1272 or email stgboxoffice@gmail.com