CHS Theatre presented The Play That Goes Wrong from Thursday, March 12, to Saturday, March 14. This slapstick comedy had people laughing in their seats at the marvelous acts and cast. The play is about a college drama society called the Cornley Drama Society, which is putting on a play called The Murder at Haversham Manor which, as the title suggests, goes quite wrong. From cast members forgetting lines to some even getting knocked out, the suspense was tremendous throughout.
Word spread like wildfire that this comedy was possibly one of CHS’s best performances. Audiences laughed all three nights of the production. For the cast, it was a lovely experience. For the spectators, it was enjoyable and caused so many to talk about it and spread the word. Tesa Ray, a student who saw the play, said, “It was very enjoyable, and I laughed so much. I’m definitely coming back for future productions. Everyone on stage was just absolutely amazing, the costumes and the acting was very professional, and it was very entertaining to watch. This was my first play I’ve been to, I really enjoyed it so much and it reminds me to laugh and be happy.”
As a cast member, I personally found this production to be one of the most enjoyable experiences. I talked to people I had been afraid to approach before, made more friends, and had more laughs than I have had this school year. I never felt so included in anything before. Theatre has changed a lot of people, including me. I owe it all to Mr. Colonel and my amazing fellow cast members, especially Megan (my fight-scene buddy). Now that it’s over, I feel sad, I have nothing after school. Though free time is great, I miss the laughs I shared with many others in theatre. I’m glad to have spent two years in theatre with Colonel. He has been one of my biggest inspirations to be more confident with my singing and acting skills.
This play was also Mr. Colonel’s last production with Chester High School, which for everyone on cast and crew, it was definitely an emotional roller-coaster. Even audience members shared a final farewell on closing night. Stage director Elizabeth Wilson, Jason Sibley (Chris), and Megan Zimmer (Annie) all made speeches declaring their love for theatre and reflecting on Colonel’s impact on theatre and their own lives immediately after the Saturday night performance. This heartfelt moment brought tears to so many eyes, showing how meaningful their years with Colonel have been. Mr. Colonel has shared his own thoughts, saying, “I think it was really successful and that the audience was really important. This show proves there’s a place for anyone in theatre.” All in all, this production was a play to remember.