We are both feeling pretty tired still, so another relatively easy day is in order.
We did get some tickets to see a show, so lunch and the show is all we are up to today.
Cathy arranged the tickets for us. As New Yorkers Cathy and Bob are regular theatre goers so have access to some great options. Earlier in the week we spoke to them about what was available.
We settled on a play called The Play That Goes Wrong.
Before the show we meet Bob to collect our tickets. We have a quick lunch at the barking dog restaurant. Mardi enjoy eggs, avocado and salmon. I try another burger on my search for New Yorks best burger. Some dude next to us talks on his phone on loudspeaker, how annoying! He goes on and on, so we ask to be moved. So Rude! See my blog article here about this.
We then head into the theatre. The New World Theatre is a little odd. At street level it’s a simple small building. Inconspicuous to what’s below. As we descend into a modern space a number of small theatres line the large underground space. You have no idea it’s here from street level.
We take our seats and settle in. Here’s the plot of the play.
This delightful comedy, which has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, brilliantly showcases the messy, unpredictable nature of live theater. Its clever plot and unforgettable characters make it a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
The play revolves around the fictional Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery titled “Murder at Havisham Manor.” From the very start, it’s clear that things are not going to go as planned. The crew is rife with charismatic yet inept actors, each with their unique quirks and challenges. Most notably, the lead character, Chris Bean, faces a personal crisis when the original actress playing the role of the wealthy widow mysteriously goes missing just before the show kicks off.
Desperate to fill the void, the crew scrambles to adapt, leading to an ensemble performance that quickly spirals out of control. Their enthusiasm is palpable, but so is their incompetence!
As the curtain rises, audiences witness a series of comical mishaps. The set is a character in itself, with poorly constructed doors that won’t open, collapsing furniture, and even a runaway dog. As the action unfolds, every little prop becomes a source of comedic chaos—bottles of prop poison are misplaced, a “corpse” gets knocked over, and wigs go flying.
Each scene is packed with physical comedy and slapstick humor, where a simple line of dialogue can ignite a chain reaction of even more disasters. Actors struggle to deliver their lines as they cope with obstacles like forgotten lines, mistaken identities, and an ever-worsening series of accidents that ensue. The audience’s laughter grows louder with each new blunder, reflecting the sheer chaos that ensues when a production goes terribly wrong.
What makes “The Play That Goes Wrong” so entertaining is the sheer commitment of the cast to their roles, even as everything collapses around them. Characters resort to increasingly desperate measures as they attempt to keep the play on track, leading to outrageous circumstances that entertain and engage the audience. Whether it’s accidentally injuring a fellow actor, tripping over set pieces, or attempting to cover for one another as they fumble through scenes, the cast members embody the resilience of performers who refuse to give up, no matter the odds.
As the play progresses, the calamities reach a peak that is both uproarious and absurd. The finale becomes a frenetic blend of humor and chaos, culminating in a spectacularly misguided conclusion to the murder mystery. The audience is left breathless from laughter, caught in the absurdity of the ensemble’s efforts and the delightful unpredictability of live theater.
“The Play That Goes Wrong” brilliantly encapsulates the unexpected hilarity that can emerge from the world of theater. It serves as a love letter to the art form itself, highlighting both the triumphs and tribulations of those who step onto the stage. With its clever writing, engaging performances, and impeccable comic timing, this play reminds us that sometimes, when everything goes wrong, it can go wonderfully right— for the audience, at least! If you’re ready for a night filled with belly laughs and chaotic capers, grab your tickets to this madcap adventure!
We thoroughly enjoy the show. We saw it in 2017, it is now the longest running comedy on broadway. Seeing it again allowed us to really appreciate the stunts and comedic interactions. If you get a chance see it.
We emerge to a dark and cold afternoon. Rain, cold weather is forecast as a change is heading our way. We haven’t seen any rain since we’ve been here. But that’s about to change.
We enjoy dinner in tonight. I have some more work to do and some papers to read.
