Comic catastrophe: 'The Play That Goes Wrong' at Cocoa Village Playhouse

In community theater, where passion sometimes triumphs over perfection, there's a special kind of magic that happens when everything goes hilariously awry. That's the kind of comic hijinks audiences can expect with Cocoa Village Playhouse's next offering, "The Play That Goes Wrong." The show opens Friday, March 15 for a run through March 24.

"The Play That Goes Wrong" is a comedy by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. The show takes the idea that "the show must go on" to a new level, offering a blend of slapstick, farce, impeccable timing and controlled chaos.

"Doors slam, cues go haywire, actors get bonked on the head and fall through windows, and every inch of the set is destined to come crashing down," said co-director Pam Larson. "You don’t want to miss this hysterical show. You will bust a gut laughing."

The plot revolves around a fictitious amateur theater company, the Cornley Drama Society, which is attempting to put on a 1920s murder mystery called "The Murder at Haversham Manor." Throughout the performance, everything goes wrong. From malfunctioning props to missed cues, no mishap is too absurd for this comedy of errors.

It is a challenge to intentionally get things wrong, but that's what makes it so much fun. Larson and her cast have embraced the chaos.

"We carefully choreograph and rehearse each gag to ensure the comedy will translate to our audience while remaining safe for the actors involved," she said. "This involves meticulous planning, rigorous training and constant communication among the cast and crew to execute the controlled chaos that makes the show so entertaining."

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One of the hallmarks of "The Play That Goes Wrong" is its over-the-top physical comedy.

"Physical comedy has and will always be able to tickle the funny bones of the masses," Larson said. "We can’t wait for our audiences to join the fandom of 'The Play That Goes Wrong.'"

The chaos inherent in the play-within-a-play has brought the cast together as an ensemble.

"Our cast is so talented," Larson said. "Through extensive rehearsals and bonding experiences, they've developed a seamless chemistry, enhancing their performances and creating a cohesive unit on stage."

"Their ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the production ensures that every performance is filled with energy, spontaneity and uproarious laughter."

While the script provides a solid foundation for the chaos to unfold, it's the unpredictability of live theater that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Who knows what might happen when the actors step onstage? That's part of the magic of live theater – the thrill of knowing that anything can happen.

If you go

'The Play That Goes Wrong'

Where: Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 24

Tickets: Start at $35

Call: 321-636-5050

Website: cocoavillageplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cocoa Village Playhouse offers comic romp with 'The Play That Goes Wrong'