When the playbill for Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre’s next production lands in the hands of audience members, one critical cast member will likely be uncredited — the set.
In “The Play That Goes Wrong,” well, the title says it all. Things go wrong and that includes the set that falls apart.
“It’s like a Rubik’s Cube,” said director Steve Walpert.
But the set just can’t fall apart on its own; it has to fall apart on the right cue. And the actors have to be in sync with the moving pieces of the collapsing set.
“Safety is paramount,” said Walpert.
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The play is about a theater group which recently produced such “hit” shows at “The Lion and the Wardrobe” (without the witch) and “Cat” (no s). The story is actually a play within a play. As the play opens, the audience finds cast members scurrying about trying to get ready for their own production of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The set isn’t finished, and a dog is missing.
Throughout the play the actors attempt to follow the adage “the show must go on” with a series of set mishaps including the leading lady who gets knocked out by a piece of stage equipment — all of which must be perfectly timed for the desired effect.
Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre had originally been scheduled for performances the first two weeks in October, but the dates had to be pushed to November because of some updates that had to be done to the theater itself.
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And Walpert said he’s been glad of the delay.
“We’ve been able to take our time with the set,” he said.
Not only is there a ton of physical humor in this production, but the lines will evoke a lot of laughs too, he said.
“It’s so cleverly written,” he said.
The dialogue has nuances that as a director, Walpert said he had to be mindful of when guiding his vision for the show.
“The Play That Goes Wrong” will be presented at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4, 5, 11 and 12 with dinner beginning at 6:45 p.m. and at 3 p.m. on Nov. 6 and 13 with lunch beginning at 1:45 p.m. at the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, Bldg. 32100 Third Ave., Fort Gordon.
Tickets range from $30 (for the show only) to $55 for dinner and the play for civilians. Discounts are available for active-duty military, senior citizens, students and children.
For reservations, call (706) 793-8552. Those with paid reservations will be placed on a list that will be checked at the gate to expedite entry.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
