The Play That Goes Wrong at Stage West
“The Play That Goes Wrong,” written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields (2012), follows the performance of a murder mystery in which a theater company encounters one disaster after another. Stage West Theatre’s adaptation, directed by Harry Parker, masterfully builds upon each mishap to achieve the ultimate goal of creating a safe space for the audience to let out genuine laughter.
From the very beginning, this production invites the audience to be part of its chaotic world. Trevor (Aaron M. Johnson), the light and sound operator, and Annie (Hannah Bell), the stage manager, are the first to engage us, establishing the “creation of anticipation” that permeates the play. This sense of inclusion is heightened by Chris (Parker Gray), the director of the fictional production, who speaks directly to the audience. Gray embodies a passionate creator eager to present his work. His exaggerated expressions, tense posture, and constant movement vividly convey Chris’ blend of anxiety and excitement.
Throughout the play, Chris’ objectives are unmistakable—he has invested tremendous effort into this production, and desperately needs it to succeed. While the objectives of other characters may create conflicts, their interactions clearly show that, in their own unique ways, everyone is committed to ensuring that the show goes on. This shared determination adds depth and humor to the escalating chaos, keeping the audience thoroughly engaged.
The sense of anticipation remains with the audience throughout the entire play. I found myself paying close attention to every detail, often chuckling at the potential consequences of each mishap. What makes this production particularly unique is how carefully it justifies each action, creating a seamless bond between one moment and the next. This fluidity in the construction of actions allows most of the jokes to land effectively.
However, there were moments when certain jokes—while cleverly written—did not resonate as strongly. This was most noticeable during the light and sound mishaps, where Johnson’s portrayal occasionally felt robotic and lacked the same level of justification seen elsewhere. As a result, these moments momentarily disrupted the immersive flow of the production, leaving me wishing I could "pause" my critical thoughts whenever the actors turned their attention toward the light and sound operator. Additionally, the constant creation of anticipation set high expectations, and as a result, the ending felt somewhat tedious compared to the surprising moments that preceded it.
Photos by Evan Michael Woods
On the topic of fluidly building moments, the growth of many characters was impressively clear. While this didn’t necessarily make one character stand out over the others, it was a detail I deeply appreciated. Annie’s journey stood out as a highlight. Her focus gradually shifted from addressing technical issues to fully embracing being on stage and even battling Sandra (Rowan Gilvie) for the role of Florence.
Hannah Bell portrays Annie’s shift in objectives with a natural fluidity, making it easy to forget that Annie initially wanted nothing to do with performing. Bell’s physicality highlights this transformation—starting with a hunched posture in a chair and later delivering a sharp, deliberate motion to check her elbow, readying herself to confront Sandra. This progression effectively conveys Annie’s growing determination and newfound hunger for the spotlight.
Rowan Gilvie was unafraid to make exaggerated faces and movements, which added a layer of charm and authenticity to her performance. Her controlled physicality made Sandra feel genuine rather than forced. Gilvie effectively conveyed Sandra’s determination through subtle details, such as the tension in her body and the way each fall impacted her movements. This consistent attention to detail highlighted Sandra’s persistence despite mounting injuries, which was further emphasized by the progressive bruising visible on her body. These choices made the seriousness of every mishap both believable and engaging.
Seeing Parker Gray, Blake Henri, and Zak Reynolds share the stage was an inspiring experience that made me want to take out my notebook and study. Their silent communication, acute awareness of their surroundings, and ability to adapt to the evolving situations within the play showcased a deep understanding of their characters’ objectives.
In Gray’s portrayal of Chris, his character’s anxiety became a tool to drive his objective forward. Chris’s desperation for the play’s success was palpable, adding layers to his performance. Gray effectively conveyed the presence of both inner and outer conflicts, demonstrating how the character’s determination to keep the show going served the story while undermining Chris’s personal composure.
Henri’s portrayal of Robert was marked by a calmness and quick-thinking nature that stood out amidst the chaos. Through his composed problem-solving, Henri made it clear that Robert is likely the castmate Chris relies on the most. Behind the laughter that Henri’s impeccable comedic timing elicited, he told a deeper story of camaraderie and mutual support among creatives.
Finally, Reynolds’ fearless acting and active listening to the audience were a testament to his ability to reveal a character’s true objectives while navigating the same overarching challenges as the others. As Max, he embraced his role as the antagonist by deciding to tell the story differently while still agreeing that “the show must go on.”
This production’s ability to blend physical humor, character development, and precise timing ensures an experience that is not only hilarious but also deeply engaging. By crafting a space where both actors and the audience can fully embrace the chaos, Harry Parker’s “The Play That Goes Wrong” reminds us of the joy and vulnerability inherent in live theatre, leaving the audience laughing so hard during intermission that they’re coughing from the intensity of their amusement.
RUNNING: Through Dec 22, 2024
VENUE: Stage West, 821 W Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76104
TICKETS: https://stagewest.org/