ISU Theatre Invites Audiences to Embrace the Chaos in “The Play That Goes Wrong”

Everything that can go wrong does in Idaho State University Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” running Nov. 13, 14 and 19-21 in the Beverly B. Bistline Theatre at the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Part murder mystery and part theatrical disaster, “The Play That Goes Wrong” follows an amateur theatre company attempting to perform “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” As the mystery unfolds, missed cues, malfunctioning props, collapsing scenery and increasingly disastrous mishaps threaten to derail the production. Still, the determined cast carries on, no matter how spectacularly things fall apart.

“‘The Play that Goes Wrong,’ is a hilarious, slapstick, farcical performance about a play, ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor,’” said director Jef Petersen, ISU theatre faculty. “The play is an eye-popping, jaw-dropping, rollercoaster of an experience for an audience to enjoy.”

For Petersen, the production offers audiences something intentionally simple: an opportunity to laugh.

“I am especially excited about this play because it is such an incredibly good time for an audience,” Petersen said. “Seriously, there is no more profound theme to this play other than to laugh until your sides hurt and leave wondering, ‘how did it all go so terribly wrong?’”

Petersen said that sense of fun has carried into the rehearsal room as the student cast tackles the production’s demanding physical comedy and precise timing.

“The cast for this show is an exceptionally fun group, and every night when I leave rehearsal, I feel so honored to have gotten to laugh the entire night, and explore the depths of comedy with them,” Petersen said. “This is a play that will delight your funny bone whether you're six years old, or you're one hundred six years old. Come see how wrong things can go in ‘The Play that Goes Wrong.’”

Following the opening-night performance Friday, Nov. 13, audience members are invited to stay for an Afterglow reception, offering an opportunity to celebrate the production with members of the ISU Theatre community.

The second weekend of performances will coincide with the Pocatello Festival of Trees, taking place from noon to 8 p.m. Nov. 19-21 in the promenade and rotunda areas of the Stephens Performing Arts Center. Patrons attending “The Play That Goes Wrong” can show their theatre ticket to receive $1 off admission to the Festival of Trees.

Because the Festival of Trees closes at 8 p.m., patrons attending a 7:30 p.m. performance should plan to visit the Festival before the show. The Festival of Trees supports the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Idaho Honor Flight.

Performances of “The Play That Goes Wrong” are Nov. 13, 14 and 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bistline Theatre at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1002 Sam Nixon Ave. in Pocatello.

Tickets are available through the Stephens Performing Arts Center Box Office, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, by calling 208-282-3595 or online at isu.edu/tickets.