NOISES OFF Brings the Laughs to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre Jan. 11 Through 20

If British farce is your cup of tea, there is no livelier or funnier show than "Noises Off." Taking a fond look at the folly of theater folk, this hilarious play comes to Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre in January. Presented by the award-winning Maurer Production OnStage, dates and show times are: Fridays, Jan. 11 and 18 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Jan. 12 and 19 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Jan. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.

Kelsey Theatre is located on MCCC's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. The community is invited to an opening night reception with the cast and crew on Jan. 11.

Written by Michael Frayn, "Noises Off" is the ultimate British stage comedy. This play-within-a-play depicts a touring theater troupe's production of "Nothing On" at three points in time: first a dress rehearsal (Act I), then an early performance (Act II), and finally a performance at the tail end of a debilitating run (Act III). Cast members maintain a dizzying pace - running in all directions, going up and down stairways, and charging in and out of doorways. As personal jealousies, temper tantrums and general bad behavior escalates, there is a gradual realization that even if the show must go on, it will not be pretty.

The cast features Mark Applegate of Washington Crossing, Pa., as Frederick Fellows; Allison DeKorte of Southampton, Pa., as Poppy Norton-Taylor; Jackie Galli of Lambertville as Brooke Ashton; Laurie Hardy of Hamilton as Dotty Otley; Nick Kianka of Hamilton as Timothy Allgood; Erin Leder of Bordentown as Belinda Blair; Kevin Palardy of Hatfield, Pa., as Garry Lejeune; Tim Rerucha of Hamilton as Lloyd Dallas; and Peter Sauer of Yardley, Pa., as Selsdon Mowbray.

The show is directed by John M. Maurer and co-produced by John M. Maurer and Diana Gilman Maurer. Other production team members are Master Carpenter Jeff Cantor, Lighting Designer M. Kitty Getlik, Sound Designer Judi Parrish and Sound Engineer Evan Paine. Costumes are by Anthony Remer and the stage manager is Melissa Gaynor.

Tickets are $18 for adults; $16 for seniors; and $14 for students/children. They may be purchased online at www.KelseyTheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater.

For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.

Photo: Front row, from left, Jackie Galli, Laurie Hardy, Nick Kianka (kneeling), Allison DeKorte and Peter Sauer; back from left, Erin Leder, Kevin Palardy, Mark Applegate and Tim Rerucha. Photo by John Maurer.