Red Noses
by Peter Barnes
Department of Theatre & Drama
October 3-13, 2013 • Arthur Miller Theatre
The Story: Surrounded by the black plague in 14th century France, Catholic priest Father Flote struggles to provide comfort to his flock. Looking for a sign from God, Flote finds his calling when he inadvertently causes laughter. Gathering together a ragtag group of performers, Flote and his troupe of Red Noses tour the country spreading joy amidst the devastation. Along the way, they must contend with roving groups of flagellants, corpse robbers, and other scavengers. But once the health crisis has passed, the church hierarchy may not be as tolerant of the Red Noses power of laughter as it seeks to reassert its ecclesiastical authority.
Background: Best-known for his irreverent play The Ruling Class, English playwright Peter Barnes maintained a passionate belief that a joke can be an instrument of change rather than a diversion from reality. His plays embrace a non-naturalistic style featuring slapstick, surprise, and hectic comedy. Red Noses, written in 1978, received its first performance in 1985 by the Royal Shakespeare Company and earned Barnes an Olivier Award. Hilarious and thought provoking, Red Noses is a dark comedy that celebrates the subversive power of laughter.
Artistic Staff
Director: Malcolm Tulip
Scenic Designer: Justin N. Lang
Costume Designer: Kelsey Socha
Lighting Designer: Mary Cole
Sound Designer: Henry Reynolds
Vocal Coach: Annette Masson
Assistant Director: Scott Crandall
Stage Manager: Megan Murphy
Cast
Viennet/Boutros One: Hojeong Shin
Moncriff/Lefranc/Bigod: Will Ropp
Evaline/Bembo: Alexandra DeMaio
Bonville/Pellico: Willie Filowski
Mme Bonville/Mother Metz/Leper 1: Elana Gantman
Dr. Antrechau/Patris: Jackson Pierce
Flote: Ben Blackman
Monk/Fr. Toulon: Phil Rice
Monk/Brodin/Guard: Lucas Kane
Monk/Rochfort: Jordan Golden
Monk/Marguerite: Zoe Kanters
Flagellant 1: Robert O’Brien
Flagellant 2: Samantha Rehr
Grez: Danielle Cohn
Scarron: Matt Provenza
Druce: Eric Myrick II
Papal Herald/Arch. Monselet/Vasques: Austin Andres
Sonnerie: Elliot Cruz
1st Attendant/Sabine: Savannah Rounds
Leper 2/Marie: Becky Gordon
Leper 3/Camille: Meredith Starkman
Boutros Two: Gabrielle DeCaro
Le Grue: Melissa Golliday
Frapper: Emily Shimskey
Clement VI: Philip Maxwell