We are particularly excited to present this play because, for the first time in the society’s history, we have managed to find a play that fits the company’s numbers perfectly. If we’re honest, a lack of numbers has hampered past productions, such as last year’s Chekhov play Two Sisters. Or last Christmas’s The Lion and the Wardrobe. And of course our summer musical, Cat.
– Chris Bean –
On Sunday (07/02), I attempted to snag a last minute ticket for a matinee performance of Mischief Theatre Company’s The Play That Goes Wrong at the Lyceum Theatre. I was successful, with the ticket costing me only $30 for a seat in the balcony.
Originally performed in London’s West End, it’s been brought across the pond by film director J.J. Abrams. Presented as a play within a play, the audience is initially met with an unfinished stage and various staff members running around rather frantically to get everything in order before the show begins. This includes ushers pestering the director with questions and the crew attempting to finish a set that refuses to cooperate.
Just before showtime, we were informed we’d be seeing the 1920s murder mystery The Murder at Haversham Manor, presented by the mustachioed Director Chris Bean (played by Henry Shields). As the playbill explains, Bean also serves as the designer, costume designer, prop maker, box office manager, press & PR, dramaturg, voice and dialect coach, choreographer, AND lead actor of the fictional Cornley University Drama Society from England. The rest of the cast is just as, uhm, talented in their own respects.
Not surprisingly, things go south for the amateur drama society quickly. However, as the British saying goes, they “carry on.”
I expected to chuckle here and there during The Play That Goes Wrong. Instead, I was turned into a knee-slapping, crying mess from laughing so hard that my ribs were tender the next day. If you’re a fan of Noises Off and physical comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong is not to be missed.
※ Information:
- Site: Broadway Goes Wrong
- Location: Lyceum Theatre
- Address: 149 W. 45th St., New York, NY 10036
- Duration: 2 hrs 5 min
- Intermission: 20 min
- Ticket Price: $30
- Source: Box Office
Laurel, Annotated 
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