Jill Bloede, Kevin Roberge (center) and Matt Merrell star in "Noises Off" opening July 22. (Lisa Brueggemann photo)

Davidson Community Players are in the heat of rehearsals this week for the upcoming production of “Noises Off,” which hits the stage July 22 at Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall.

Meanwhile, July 22 also brings an opening for “Fast Trip to Omaha,” a new local play at the intimate Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius.

Also below: News about auditions for this fall’s Carolina Renaissance Festival and an unusual production next week from Charlotte’s Machine Theater.

“NOISES OFF”

Tickets are now on sale for Davidson Community Players’ second show of the summer, “Noises Off,” by Michael Frayn, which opens on July 22. the

This hilarious comedy was a hit when it debuted in London in 1982. It’s a play-within-a-play following the tour of an ill-fated theatrical production. The title, which comes from a theater term for backstage noises, is fitting for this comedy, which shows both backstage and onstage views of the actors.

The show begins with rehearsals for the theater company’s show, a farce titled “Nothing On.” The audience then sees the backstage view as the actors perform their play, and run into a lot of backstage mischief. The performance ends with the closing night performance of “Nothing On,” which is a mess between actors fumbling lines, performances and a very slippery plate of sardines.

The show is guest directed by Jim Yost, artistic director and founder of Barebones Theatre Group in Charlotte.

The cast includes Kevin Roberge as Frederick, Jill Bloede at Dotty, and Matt Merrell as Garry, along with Larry Ligo, Aby Pagan, Jonathan Ray, Philip Robertson, Julie Strassel, and Amy Thrift.

Performances will be July 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 8 pm, and July 24 and Aug 1 at 2 pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org, by phone at (704) 892-7953, or in person at the Davidson Community Players box office located at 107 N. Main St., Davidson between 10 am and 5 pm. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

“FAST TRIP TO OMAHA”

The Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius will present “Fast Trip to Omaha,” which will also open on July 22.

This comedy, by Charlotte playwright Don Cook, is directed by Tim Ross. It’s set in Omaha in the summer of 1969 and tells the story of one dysfunctional family’s reunion. Although the Woodstock rock festival is just around the corner, this family still listens to the music of the 1930s and ‘40s. In this peaceful setting, this family reunion escalates into full-scale combat that makes the faraway Vietnam War look like a skirmish.

Mr. Cook said this project may have started off as a tale about his relationship with his father’s second family, but “after a few drafts, these characters took on their own personalities that turned out to be a lot more fun than we were. And – here’s the part I like best – they fight dirty.”

Marla Brown, Warehouse PAC’s founder and artistic director, said, “Our last show, ‘The Road To Mecca,’ proved there was an audience in the Lake Norman area for small, professional-caliber productions. We thought a light comedy this summer was the best way to keep the momentum, and ‘Fast Trip’ was an easy choice because it got such high audience ratings at a reading last winter. And then we lucked out by getting Tim Ross as the director, and he put a great cast together.”

That cast includes some of Charlotte area’s favorite actors – Annette Saunders, Scott Reynolds, Bill McNeff, George Gray and the playwright’s wife, Divina Cook – a New York actor who was also in “The Road To Mecca” at the Warehouse.

Performances are July 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31 at 8 p.m., and matinees July 25 and Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students, seniors, and groups.

Purchase tickets today by emailing tickets@warehousepac.com or calling Marla Brown at (704)-619-0429.

Warehouse PAC is at 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius, just down the hill from N.C. 21. More information and directions are available on its website, www.warehousepac.com.

“THOMTHOM (IF THAT BIRD WON’T SING)”

Charlotte’s Machine Theater next week offers the world premiere of “ThomThom (if that bird won’t sing),” a new play by Matt Cosper with songs composed by Jon Lindsay. The show is directed by Barney Baggett.

This is a black comedy that follows Arthur and his ward Jean Louise as they struggle through a vast metaphysical ether trying to find their way home. They are pursued by a crazed gang of murderous wizards, who are also idiots. Loyalties are tested, lives are lost, and true love blossoms during this course of this performance. The production blends buffoonery, intellectual acrobatics, and indelible characters.

Performances will be on July 8-10 and July 15-17 at 8 p.m. at the Duke Energy Theatre in Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., Charlotte.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased through CarolinaTix, online at www.carolinatix.org or by calling 704-372-1000.

For more information please contact Matt Cosper at 704-996-3432 or machinetheatre@gmail.com or visit www.machinetheatre.org.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AUDITIONS

The Carolina Renaissance Festival won’t return until this fall, but they’re already laying plans for another season of fun at the festival site in Huntersville. They’ll be holding open auditions for street characters, musicians, dancers and variety acts on Saturay, July 24, from 9 a.m.-noon and Wednesday, July 28, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Adult female actors are needed for the role of Mother Goose, while adult male actors are sought for the roles of Town Crier and Royal Guard. Professional and amateur opportunities are available. Prepared material is not required. Head shot and resume appreciated but not required.

Anyone under the age of 12 must participate with a parent.

The 17th annual Renaissance Festival will be underway for seven weekends Oct. 9-Nov. 21, on a 245-acre site minutes at N.C. 73 and Poplar Tent Road.

For info, call 704-896-5555 or email Vreanie@royalfaires.com to schedule an audition appointment. More information about the festival can be found at www.RenFestInfo.com.