The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields is coming to Perth Studio Theatre from July 2–12. There are so many moving parts to this production that I was reminded of the line uttered by Dorothy in the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz — “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” as she and her new friends venture into the unknown. In Studio Theatre Perth’s case I would have to say “Actors, directors and costumers, oh my!”
Actor Dave Clark’s favourite line is: “But Arthur, how can you resist me, I’m such a beautiful woman?” It is spoken when he is caught on stage and unexpectedly assumes the role of Miss Colleymoore… who is unconscious. Actor Rob Glas loves to respond to the question “That’s a damn fine bottle, Perkins, what’s the vintage?” with “Flammable and corrosive, sir.” Dave and Rob and the host of others on stage are all trying so hard to do their best. They are painfully sincere in their attempt to carry on and help their friend Chris, played by Chris Angel, make this play a success. They all soldier on, determined to stay in character and go with the flow — but the flow quickly escalates into a raging torrent of catastrophe. And through it all the audience gets to look through the little window of each character’s rapidly muddling brain, as they desperately try to do the impossible — calmly calculate what to do next and carry on with aplomb.
Director Carolee Mason gave the actors a helpful exercise when they got to walk the stage for the first time after spending a month rehearsing in St. Paul’s church hall up the street. She instructed them to walk through each act with no words or interactions and figure out who does what to who. Where do you go, why do you move, what do you need to be doing? This encouraged the actors to collaborate, trust, and figure out the ebb and flow of each of their movements. Mason also had an interesting requirement in her audition process. Auditioning actors were instructed to climb up a 12-foot extension ladder, take a glass of water from the top and walk it back down. Then they were to lie on the floor and get up again without using their hands. She needed to know that everyone on stage was capable of strenuous movement — because this play has some very active exchanges.
Costumers Wendy Coombs, Elizabeth Sampson and Rosalie Willliams have all worked with Carolee before. Rosalie’s and Wendy’s children were students in Carolee’s drama program at Perth & District Collegiate Institute back in the day. Elizabeth will once again be “the keeper of the costumes” as she is well known for her unflappable organization skills. Ottawa Little Theatre has been a treasure trove of 1922 tuxedos and gowns. All costumes may need a spritz of vodka to keep them fresh — a theatre trick when costumes get a little bit warm with actors rushing about. One interesting challenge will be sourcing a dress that two actors will wear and that needs to be taken off one unconscious actor and pulled on over the everyday clothing of the actor wannabe who is very anxious to take her place.
Tickets are selling fast, so don’t be disappointed. Head online to TicketsPlease.ca or email the theatre at boxoffice@studiotheatreperth.com. This sell-out show runs for 10 performances. Saturday and Sunday matinées are at 2pm and evening shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm. Don’t miss the catastrophic fun!