Don’t Make A Mistake And Miss ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ Starting Friday, Nov. 22, At Mercer County Senior High School
The Harrodsburg Herald/April Ellis
Kandace Lyons and Braydon Branam appear in Mercer County Senior High School’s production of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which premieres Friday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m.
“The Play that Goes Wrong” is a masterclass in physical comedy and theatrical farce put on by the talented students at Mercer County Senior High. From start to finish, it delivers an experience that is unapologetically chaotic, as we watch the hapless Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery, only for everything that can go wrong to hilariously unravel before your eyes.
Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, this show revels in its exaggerated mishaps—flubbed lines, set pieces breaking down and actors failing to keep up with the escalating disaster. It’s a showcase of comic timing, with each moment of unexpected disaster executed to maximize laughs. The play doesn’t only rely on the slapstick though; it also mines humor from clever self-awareness, as the actors gamely attempt to soldier on despite mounting absurdities.
What makes the show particularly impressive is the skill of the cast. They manage to portray characters who are themselves playing characters—a demanding task that requires them to balance genuine acting with layers of bumbling ineptitude. The dedication to every mishap, however minor, creates an immersive sense of spontaneity, even though every pratfall and misstep is meticulously choreographed.
Curtains fall, sound effects are mistimed and props fall apart, but the cast trudges through. After swords break, characters continue the fight making their own sound effects of metal clashing. The casts’ physicality is impressive and humourous. The students are diving across the stage, dragging bodies through doors and windows, not to mention a few knock outs.
“I would say a show like this is much harder as a performer as it relies on many different factors such as timing, trust and execution,” said MCSH student and actor Logan Yates, comparing his role in “That Play that Goes Wrong” to his performance in last year’s “Anastasia.” “I think many would be surprised how much it takes to be right to get the show to go wrong. Especially with how dependent we are on our faithful crew who really put this show together.”
One of the most delightful aspects of “The Play that Goes Wrong” is its universal appeal. Audiences don’t need a deep understanding of theater to appreciate the humor; the jokes are accessible, yet sophisticated in their delivery. The play’s humor feels fresh and timeless, appealing to anyone who has ever experienced (or dreaded) something going spectacularly wrong in a group setting.
“My favorite part about the play is the audience interaction it brings. I feel as if this show makes the audience apart of its story and makes the audience feel involved in the wacky shenanigans unfolding in front of them,” said Yates.
Over all, “The Play that Goes Wrong” offers a crafted theatrical experience that’s uproarious, endearing and unlike any other comedy out there. It’s a must-see for anyone looking for a night of laughter that leaves you marveling at the precision and passion behind every chaotic detail.
“I think audiences will enjoy to see the many stunts and dramatic chaos that will happen throughout the show,” said Yates. “When I first watched this show in Cincinnati I was shocked by many of the unexpected moments that occurred. I just think it’s an absolute wonder to watch and laugh along to with everyone around you.”
The play runs Friday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and final performance is Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets are available on GoFan or at the door the night of the play.
“I would like to say that this set is the biggest and best set we could ever have,” said Yates. “However, we can’t do this again unless we have continuous support from our amazing community and we highly encourage the community to bring as many willing people to come out and support us.”
