Murder, Mishaps, and Mayhem in The Play That Goes Wrong at Oakwood Summer Theatre

by Ellorah Maeve

What would you do if a fellow actor drops a line in the middle of a show? What happens when a fellow actress passes out in the middle of a scene? If a prop is missing from the stage, how would you improvise? You don’t have to wonder for long when you come to watch The Play That Goes Wrong, written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields at Oakwood Summer Theatre. The play within a play is a murder mystery called The Murder at Haversham Manor, but the actual source of the comedy comes from the theatre troupe trying and failing to put on a successful production. During intermission, the stage crew asks for help from this audience with cleaning up the stage for Act 2. Sweeping up the fake snow, drying the stage with a blowdryer, and even actors are coming together to get things prepared for the second act. This play is truly the epitome of community theatre; no matter how much goes wrong, the show must go on as the actors and crew trudge through the madness that is live theatre. Producer Lynda Daniels actually pitched the idea of putting on The Play That Goes Wrong to the Oakwood board; and it is a good thing she did because this show is an absolute treat to watch!

Desiree Lara as Chris/Inspector brings a chaotic energy that only a burnt out director would have. She knows how to milk a bit for laughs and pushes through any “mishap” that happens in the play comedically. Cadence Maurer as Sandra/Florance is a perfect example of a damsel in distress and leading lady. She definitely does not let the setbacks happening around her and her fellow castmates affect her. Ben Wentzell as Max/Cecil brings a charisma and humor that is charming and a riot. When he breaks the fourth wall, it is with a confidence that reels you in and keeps you engaged in the plot. Brody Wiggins as Robert/Collymore brings an over the top, dramatic performance. He masters the art of a pause in the action to let each hilariously impossible task sink in with the audience. Feyisayo Somoye as Dennis/Perkins truly shines in the scene at the end of Act 1 involving a moment where she “forgets” what the next line of dialogue is supposed to be. The line she does give, though, is a previous line that restarts the entire conversation from that beginning, torturing her fellow actors as they try to help her. It is truly a moment that will have you rolling in your seat!

Stephon Miller as Jonathan/Charles is a hilarious dead body and as the actor role does a great job of committing to being early for his entrance cue for a plot device later in Act 2. DaKota Speakman as Annie makes it very clear she is a person who does not fully know how to perform. With script in hand, every moment she does not make an acting choice creates a very hilarious scene. Heidi Bazilian as Trevor is a hilarious stage manager with a penitent for Taylor Swift and speaking her mind when given the opportunity. Where the show truly shines is the silent teamwork of the Stage Crew comprised of Gabriella Marandola, Cody Higinbotham, Lazuli Ritteler, Jillian Wolfer, Sapphire Law, Nahriyah Beharry, Cadence Maurer, Brody Wiggins, Feyisayo Somoya, DaKota Speakman, Heidi Bazillian, and Desiree Lara. All of the theatre magic that happens on and off stage can not happen without the collaboration and community shown by those working in the wings. 

Director Ben Griffith states in his director’s note “...this is the most ambitious production Oakwood has ever attempted.” It’s hard to disagree when you see the amount of technical elements that were used. Assistant Director and Stage Manager Kara Beardsley does the choreography for the sword fight with safety in mind. Her direction leaves room for actors to play up the comedy and improvise. The most exciting set pieces such as the “falling” platform, falling wall panels and collapsing wall decorations are constructed with the help of Jay Daniels, Noah McFadden, Charles Garrison, Chip Bazilian, and Ben Wentzell. Set Design by Noah McFadden is impressive and extremely exciting to watch as the set falls apart in front of your eyes. If you stay until after the show is done, you can watch as the stage crew magically puts all of the broken set back together again within minutes! Lead Artist Travis Gibson painted all of the lovely set pieces; including the portrait above the fireplace. This portrait gives a playful nod to the next production “Puss In Boots,” July 9th through July 11th. The purposefully ill-timed lighting and sound cues from Lighting Tech Noah McFadden and Sound Tech Jay Prater add to the hilarity of this play like a cherry on top of a disaster sundae.

Everything that could go wrong, does go wrong in this play; it is truly an actor’s nightmare and an audience’s delight! To wade through the chaos and calamity alone would be a Herculean feat. But the comradery of the troupe helps to make for an entertaining evening; regardless of anything that can and does go wrong. Check out the Oakwood Summer Theatre this season for more fun and exciting productions!

Oakwood Summer Theatre Website: https://www.oakwoodsummertheatre.org/ Purchase Tickets here: https://ost.booktix.com