Addison Trail to present fall play, ‘The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition)’

Have you ever worked tirelessly to plan an event – meticulously coordinating every detail – only to have the whole thing fall apart and every little aspect go wrong?

If you can relate, then you won’t want to miss Addison Trail’s fall play, “The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition),” which will take place on Oct. 19, 20 and 21.

According to https://playbill.com, “The Play That Goes Wrong” tells the story of “… a night of mishaps, mischief and madcap mania! It’s the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor,’ and things have quickly gone from bad … to utterly disastrous. The troupe’s ambitious 1920s whodunit has everything you never want in a show: falling props, collapsing scenery, an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead and actors who trip over everything … including their lines. How will this eager ensemble battle against all of the disastrous odds? Will they make it to the final curtain call? An international hit that’s equal parts Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes – ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ is full of hilarious perfection.”

Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna McSweeney said she and a group of students saw the show performed by another high school during last year’s Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) – and they loved it.

“I thought it would be a really fun challenge for our students,” McSweeney said. “I hope the audience gets a break to enjoy the show and laugh – a lot!”

McSweeney added the play is filled with “mistakes,” which required the cast members to learn intricate falls, fighting and how to manipulate props, sets and costumes. To assist with this process, they had the opportunity to work with Nicky Jasper (an adjunct faculty member in the Stage Combat Department at Columbia College Chicago) to learn stage combat and fencing.

Addison Trail junior Vanessa Zink, junior Alexandra Mertz and sophomore Reece Smith said the production is unique, and they’ve enjoyed the experience.

“It’s a play within a play and is filled with physical comedy and subtle jokes,” they said. “It’s set in modern times, and the acting allows you to feel free to let yourself shine through more than other shows.”

“The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition)”
When: 7 p.m. on Oct. 19, 20 and 21 (also a 2 p.m. performance on Oct. 21)

Where: Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road in Addison

Tickets: Tickets will be available to buy at the door and cost $7 for adults; $5 for children ages 12 to 17; and are free for children younger than 12 years old and for those with a District 88 student ID or a District 88 Senior Gold Card.

For questions or more information: Call 630-628-3365