Hold on to your seat at the Little Theatre of Alexandria for a raucous time in the old city for the theatre's latest show, The Play That Goes Wrong.
It's a play within a play, and play is what they do! Opening in this wrong play is The Murder at Haversham Manor and if you're confused now, just wait.
On a recent Saturday night the audience was almost as wild as the performers: Those who were still in their seats hooted, they hollered, they couldn't get enough of the antics and shenanigans on stage.
There are a few.
The title says that something's awry in Alexandria and that's putting it mildly: Everything crashes, falls, slides, burns, explodes; what else?
Would you like a fall outside a window?
And a murder on a wedding eve?
Coming right up!
Who dunnit? Is the bride (Suzy Alden) carrying on with her brother-in-law (Cameron McBride)? They've got different kinds of ... motivation.
The imperturbable Inspector Carter (the skillful Adam R. Adkins), is summoned to find the murderer. The snooty British stereotype is, of course, dressed in a boring three-piece suit (by Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley), ye alas!
Before he can find the killer, there's another murder! My gawd!
A standout on the stage is the magnificent butler, "Perkins" (William Wheat) who darts hither and yon serving his masters' pleasures and attracting more than his share of laughs.
At the start of this madness (hold on to your hair strands), members of the audience are recruited to help figure it all out, and a "lost dog" poster is distributed in case anyone has seen "Winston." What has Winston got to do with it?
Wait!
Is that his portrait above the mantle?
Don't even think about consulting the program to figure out who's who for it takes a manor to sort them all.
The set (by Dan Deisz and Dan Remmers) is a luxurious 1920s mansion complete with Victorian draperies, Orientals, chair rail, a grandfather clock, a chandelier, you name it, the works.
Jim Hutzler has constructed a second floor which, naturally, collapses and is miraculously lifted up, saving the actors from having to board an exploding elevator.
It’s crazy! It's fun! It’s slapstick! At the end the audience laughed out the doors, making it another good time in Alexandria and Haversham Manor.
Other cast members are Sydne Marie Chesson, Jermaine Mitchell, Andy Izquierdo, and Justin Beland.
Production team members include Frank D. Shutts II, director; Zell Murphy and Russell M. Wyland, producers; Ken and Patti Crowley, lighting; Natalie Turkovich, makeup and hair; Ian Claar, fight director; Carol Strachan, dialects; Alan Wray, sound; Jennifer Rhorer and Christine Farrell, stage managers; Kira Hogan and Joanne Tompkins, properties.
What: The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields
When: Now through June 28, 2025, Thursday - Saturday nights, 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Just added: a Wednesday night show on June 25, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Tickets: $29, reserved seating
Recommended audience age: 8 and up (some adult language)
Duration: Less than 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission
Public transportation: Check the Metro and Dash bus websites. Dash is free to ride and has routes which are close to LTA.
Parking: Free on streets and at Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets, a block away, during non-banking hours. Paid parking is available at nearby garages.
For more information: Box Office: 703-683-0496; Main Office, 703-683-5778 or boxoffice@thelittletheatre.com.
patricialesli@gmail.com
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