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Centreville High School is preparing for theatrical disaster—entirely by design—in its upcoming production of “The Play That Goes Wrong (high-school edition).”
The fast-moving slapstick comedy follows the fictional Cornley Drama Society as it attempts to stage a London murder mystery, “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” Forgotten lines, misplaced props, an ill-fated swordfight and a deteriorating set threaten the performance, but the determined actors press ahead.
The production, Centreville’s Cappies show, features a cast and crew of 25.
Director Patrick McGee selected the play to showcase the Theater Department’s strength in comedy while giving its technical-theater students a complex creative challenge. The crew designed the interior of Haversham mansion, built unusual props and developed costumes for a 1920s party. Related characters’ costumes are also coordinated by color.
Junior Makena Nelson portrays Chris, the Cornley Drama Society’s leader and the director of its murder mystery. Chris uses that authority to cast herself as Inspector Carter, the stern detective investigating the death of manor owner Charles Haversham.
Nelson said Chris is confident, controlling and convinced she knows best. Yet as the production unravels, the perfectionist director struggles to maintain order and persuade the rest of the cast that everything remains under control.
The comedy also gives the audience information the characters do not have, Nelson said, adding another layer to the show’s familiar British humor.
Junior Kylie Henryhand plays Sandra, an actress cast as Charles’s fiancée, Florence. Sandra is boastful, theatrical and intensely committed to her role, while Florence repeatedly faints and erupts into tantrums.
The part requires Henryhand to use a British accent and perform carefully staged falls. Even as the scenery and performance collapse around Sandra, the character tries to retain her composure and stay in the mystery.
Freshman Hannah Smith plays Annie, the production’s stage manager, who is abruptly sent onstage as Florence when Sandra can no longer continue. Annie begins frightened and uncomfortable before discovering that she enjoys performing.
That newfound enthusiasm leads to a battle over the role when Sandra returns. With no acting experience, Annie improvises her portrayal of Florence, producing increasingly chaotic results.
Junior Asher Galbis-Doucette portrays Max, a self-important actor who relishes every opportunity to command the audience’s attention. Within the murder mystery, Max primarily plays Arthur the Gardener, though he also appears as Charles’s brother, Cecil Haversham.
Arthur is a loyal, straightlaced servant to the Haversham family, but the staging turns him into a comic figure. He speaks about his dog even though the animal never appears, walking around with only a leash. Max also gets a chance to show off during a duel with Florence’s sister.
The actors said the collapsing set is central to the production’s physical humor. Its moving pieces, visual jokes and carefully timed failures allow the technical crew to become as important to the comedy as the performers.
Shows are scheduled for Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 18, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students, senior citizens and military members, available at the door or through the theater’s website.