A Part of the Noise

 A Part of the Noise
Theatre for the New City
October 17, 2026 

Photo courtesy of A Part of The Noise

A Part of the Noise captures the beat generation of 1959, as it tells a slice of the life of abstract painter, Franz Kline.  Playwright Carl Kline approaches the story with insight and sensitivity.  Director Joe John Battista unites this cast of skilled actors in their exploration of this revolutionary period.  They vividly portray artists facing the challenges of the time. 

Abstract painter, Franz Kline (played by Ryan Tramont), is getting ready for a solo show at the prestigious Janis Gallery.  He is inspired to add color to his popular black and white paintings.  Gallery owner, Sidney Janis (played by Mike Meth) is against the addition of the colorful pieces to the upcoming show.  Franz meets with Art Critic Artie Mendelbaum (played by Alex Elmaleh) to be interviewed about his latest work.  Franz requests they meet at the Cedar Bar to expose Artie to the heart of the arts community.  As the poetry and drinking commence, Franz is haunted by memories of his wife, Elizabeth (played by Zoë Anastassiou), who has been institutionalized.  This shifts Franz to an introspective mood, but does not hamper his friends from coming up with a plan to sneak the new colorful pieces in his solo show. 

Ryan Tramont & Skye Themeda Goss
Photo courtesy of A Part of the Noise

Ryan Tramont portrays Franz Kline as a giving man with a powerful focus on his growth as an artist.  He creates strong and distinctive relationships with each of the characters in the story, which builds a warm and supportive artistic community.  His relationship with his girlfriend, Annie (played by Skye Themeda Goss) is passionate and tumultuous.  Ms. Goss catches fire when Franz pushes her away or condescends to her.  Mr. Tremont responds with cool tenderness and distant understanding.  These moments give keen insight into the core of their relationship.  

Zoë Anastassiou creates a complex character in Franz’s wife, Elizabeth.  At first, she is a haunting presence.  In Franz’s memory scenes, they are tender and caring, until something sparks her imbalance and sets her on a frenzied paranoid outburst.  As she heals during her institutional stay, the audience sees her gain strength and rediscover her independence.  Ms. Anastassiou does a beautiful job in this role.  Toward the end of the play, she delivers a touching and heart-felt eulogy, which sums up the emotional state of all the characters. 

Photo courtesy of A Part of the Noise

Alex Elmaleh is suave and controlled as Art Critic, Artie Mendelbaum.  He starts off the interview with an objective distance, and is soon won over my Franz’ charm.  Of course, the free flow of alcohol helps to melt his mood, but it is the atmosphere of camaraderie at Cedar Bar that has the most profound effect.  John, the owner and bartender (played by Tony Del Bono), Grace Hartigan (played by Alexandra Laliberte), David Amram (played by Michael John Gross), and Joan Mitchell (played by Zoë Anastassiou) all share their stories.  They each create genuine moments where they expose their souls.  There are also strong performances by Mike Meth, Olivia J. Talian, and Classic Guitarist Claudio Pacioco.

A Part of the Noise is playing at Theater for the New City through October 25.  It is a heartwarming tribute to an artist and the movement he was a part of.  Get a ticket today!  

Domenick Danza