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When a mess can be a beautiful thing, there must be some genius involved. The Play That Goes Wrong is a masterpiece in writing, and a directorial coup for Mark Carter. The tempest created by his vision, and executed so brilliantly by everyone involved in this Metro Theatre production, is a testament to the over-the-top talent that Metro attracts. And it goes further than the performance itself! As I sit to write the reviews, I find that all the names of the characters in the program are different from those used in the performance, necessitating for this reviewer the same adlibbing that was forced upon the actors in the play within the play.

Having been swept away by the hilariously tortuous action on stage, remembering character names was not at the top of my list, so I beg forgiveness as I proceed. Names, when used going forward, will be those from the program. Faces will be familiar for those who see the play, and will likely be more memorable than character names in any case.

Direction is brilliant. Mark Carter has used every opportunity to sow havoc into virtually every minute of the performance. The actors react masterfully to what goes wrong, stoically moving forward at every misfortune to make true the adage that the show must go on. The occasion is the engagement party of the owner of the estate and his fiancee. Garth Phillips’ shows his superior talent as the director of the play within the play, and in the role of the inspector as well. He is haplessly stalwart as the director, and hilariously adept in his handling of the case. Andrew Wade, as Jonathan Harris, the affianced victim discovered at the beginning, has little opportunity at that time to impress, but later appearances show his fine talent. Rob Fawcett plays his best friend and school buddy with convincing skill and impeccable timing and expression when things go wrong in the production.

Diego Arciniega shows his mastery in comedy as the brother of the victim, and in the minor role of the gardener. His fresh approach to stage presence and his physical comedy stand out. Jessica O’Gorman, the fiancee, and sister of the school buddy, is brilliant in her reactions to events, and her ability to be ungainly at times contributes to the hilarity on stage. Sean Finnerty makes a remarkable butler, an exciting talent convincing in his role. Sade Stewart as the stage hand (and prompter?), shines as she is forced into situations far beyond her expectations. Finally, Juan Preciado, as Trev, the sound and lighting guy, shows remarkable comedic talent. Sometimes bumbling, at other times more purposeful, he makes his presence known. Together, this fine assembly of actors give the audience an ample serving of raucous, madcap fun, plenty of laughing out loud, and a surprising ending to the mystery of whodunnit.

This production screams for praise for the production team. Costumes were excellent, though I pity whoever has to clean and mend them. Lighting was remarkable, as were sound effects. Special mention must be made of the set design, which was truly brilliant. It calls for up-scale design and ingenious engineering to create an air of danger of collapse while keeping actors safe - a first for this reviewer, and definitely first-rate.

Metro Theatre’s first production of the year is a hit. The talent of every member of the troupe is exceptional, and the production team is outstanding. The result satisfies the audience’s appetite for excellence, and promises to bring them back for more. Call your friends and see it.

© 2024 Christian Steckler