The Play That Goes Wrong (National Tour)

The Play that Goes Wrong, currently in tour at the Orpheum Theater through Sunday, is a hilarious mess. The classic theatrical trope of a play within a play is taken to 11/10 when the play being performed starts literally falling apart around them. The script and set area all build around this well-choreographed disaster. The set designed by Nigel Hook is a gorgeously simple interior of a Victorian house, but is full of tricks that made me both gasp and laugh. The script by playwrights Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayar and Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre Company is full of laughs but at times it feels like it is dragging and trying to milk the jokes a bit too much. At 2 hours and 10 minutes it is a bit long for a play, and could definitely benefit from some editing.

The real star of this show is the physical comedy, performed very well by the 8 member cast. Physical comedy is not something that I usually enjoy but at many points during the Play that Goes Wrong I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

The Play That Goes Wrong is not an original show, the idea of a play within a play has existed countless times. The concept of a play that turns out worse than expected is behind the classic play Noises Off. Where The Play that Goes Wrong makes their mark is by taking all of these often-performed themes and taking it up a couple of notches, that makes it a sure hit for anyone who is a fan of physical comedy. The Play That Goes Wrong is playing at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Orpheum Theater through Sunday May 12th. Click here for more information about the show and how to get tickets.

*Photos by Jeremy Daniel