The nights of September 8 and 9 will be hopping at the O’Connell Theatre as the Northern Illinois Stage Company production of “Noises Off” returns for two encore performances.

The original play was written by Michael Frayn in the early 1980’s, was first performed in England and then played on Broadway when it came to the United States.

The plot of “Noises Off” sounds somewhat confusing as it concerns a play within a play, but apparently this confusion adds to the charm of the fast-paced comedy.

NIU professor of theatre arts JoAnne S. Fox first came across “Noises Off” while in England and decided to bring it to the Northern Illinois Stage Company.

At first there was some discussion over whether or not to Americanize the play or leave it in its British form, according to actor Richard L. Richards. In the end the company decided to keep “Noises Off” in its original form, a sort of Monty Python-esque slapstick farce. Richards said only a few unclear British sayings were changed to sound more understandable to Americans.

There are only eight characters in “Noises Off” and in addition all but two of them play dual roles. According to graduate student Stephanie Scott, who plays Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent in the play, “Noises Off” “is not a deep thing. It’s a chance (for the audience) to sit back and enjoy.” Scott also said the play “is a lot more physical than other shows we’ve done.”

“Noises Off” starts out with each character rehearsing yet another character for the play within a play “Nothing On.” Scott said each dual role part is given equal time and in the beginning each character is quite different from the one he/she’s rehearsing. According to Scott, the trouble begins, however, when everyone’s two characters begin to merge into one.

The comedy played at the O’Connell Theatre last spring, and was performed along with “Peter Pan” at the Norris Center in St. Charles from July 7 through Aug. 11 this past summer.

The original location for the summer production of “Noises Off” was supposed to be at the Woodstock Opera House, but according to the play’s marketing director, Alan Bernstein, that stage wasn’t big enough to hold “Peter Pan.” As a result, it was moved to the Norris Center, a bigger and more modern facility.

Apparently “Noises Off” did very well at the Norris Center, and Bernstein said it received excellent reviews from five publications in the Fox Valley Area. The actors liked the Norris Center, saying it was a beautiful place to work, but noting there were the usual ups and downs that accompany any major production.

Now that “Noises Off” is back at NIU for a very limited engagement, Bernstein says there are still seats available for both Sept. 8 and 9, but tickets for the Sept. 8 show are selling fast. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the O’Connell Theatre and the ticket booth is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For further ticket information, call 753-1609.