(Ian Page addressing the audience; photographed by S. Hunter)
From October 25th through the 29th, Dean College proudly presented its production of The Play That Goes Wrong, written by Henry Lewis, Henry Shield, and Johnathan Sayer and was directed by Professor Jim T. Beauregard. The show is widely renowned for its comedy, stage presence, and technical aspects that bring it to life. Beauregard appears to have followed the original direction from the playwrights, making sure the slapstick humor stood out and prioritizing time into blocking and action compared to speech performance. I had gone to see it on October 23rd for previews, so I was unable to witness Ava Turner, Emily Marino, or Helena Clanton perform live, however I was able to get comments from audience members about their performances.
(Dylan Beaty and Luke Sylvester are shocked over Trevor McConnaughey's dead body; photographed by S. Hunter)
The general plot of the show, besides it goes wrong, stars the Cornley Drama Society putting on a performance of Murder at Haversham Manor; written by Susie H.K. Brideswell and directed by Chris (no last name given.) However, everything starts to go wrong just as the lights go up, in the most hilarious way possible. From the actor's messing up lines, set pieces falling apart, and the tech crew having to perform on stage, it has the audience laughing the whole way through.
(Ian Page opens curtain to find Kat Goyette, Dylan Beaty, and Trevor McConnaughey dragging Hannah Stein through a window: photographed by S. Hunter)
Giving immediate credit to where credit is due, the cast and crew did an outstanding job bringing the show to life. The actors portrayed members of the Cornley Drama Society, a group of people wanting to put a great show on and doing the best they can. Ian Page’s interpretation of Inspector Carter gave off a calm and collected person that has a short tempers, leading to very funny moments from random outbursts and showing aggression. Hannah Stein being dragged through the window by her limbs was hysterical, and her rivalry with Kat Goyette seemed so natural. The two were the same role in the play, within the play, and would fight for who got to be on stage.
(Ian Page and Dylan Beaty falling off platform while Trevor McConnaughey and Jason Warner are on the ground: photographed by S. Hunter)
Don’t take my word for it. On Sunday's matinee, I went around during intermission to audience members to ask what they thought of the show so far. "It was really funny; Cecil was amazing! We thought everyone's done a great job," commented the Warner family. When referring to the Inspector Carter of that night, Emily Marino, audience member Colleen remarked; "The inspector is hilarious! Her accent was hilarious, and she had such great comedic timing!”
(Trevor McConnaughey standing in front of fallen-apart set, with Ian Page and Dylan Beaty lying dead; photographed by S. Hunter)
As mentioned before, one of the most renowned parts of this show are the technical aspects, or everything behind the stage that allows the show to run "smoothly." Quoting director Jim Beauregard, from his director's note in the program; "The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields is one of the most challenging plays I have directed." The Play That Goes Wrong requires a lot of time and effort to put into the technical aspects in order for the show to "properly" function.
By working together, Beauregard, scenic artist Rachel Burke, along with students in the THA-131 class, built the set that brought to life design drawn by Richard Gamble. The platform-balcony on the second level was connected to a giant weight rack, holding over 100 pounds worth of weight, that folds over, allowing the balcony to fall and collapse on-stage. It was very impressive to see it in action, especially with the dedication shown off by the actors. The lighting and sound crew did an amazing job building tension. Red gels were applied to lights, which is an opaque square colored red; was turned on during moments of realization and shock; for instance, at the opening act when the dead body was first discovered.
(Cast directing attention to sound and light board crew for bows; photographed by S. Hunter)
The Play That Goes Wrong had its last performance on October 29th here at Dean. The show was a hilarious and wonderful experience. The cast and crew seemed to have fun while the show went on, and their excitement and joy were connected to the audience. "What a wonderful production. The cast was incredible and very funny, I think it was the best show I've seen here in a while. Truly a wonderful job!" an audience member commented while leaving. "The show kept moving, there was never a dull moment," another passing audience member said. "A beautiful show, a beautiful show." Aiden Day praised. What an amazing start to the 2023-24 Dean College theatre season, with hopefully many more productions and shows just as great coming on the horizon.
Bibliography:
The Play that goes Wrong opening night on Broadway. (2020, February 25).
Playbill, Lyceum Theatre | Shubert Organization. (n.d.),
The Pekoe Group. (n.d.). The Play That Goes Wrong - official site.
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