A SLAPSTICK SURPRISE. “The Play That Goes Wrong,” presented by the Menomonie Theater Guild, will open at 7:30pm on Feb. 20 with shows continuing through March 1. The comedy centers around a “play within a play” where cast members work to unscramble impromptu chaos – all while attempting to stage a murder mystery.

Days before opening night, stage director Bob Butterfield said he continues to remain joyful – laughing through the pre-show jitters with his fellow peers – as they prepare for the forthcoming debut of “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

“The excitement has been tremendous,” Bob said. “This (show) is really about people going out, spending an evening laughing and enjoying themselves, and spending it with some really talented people.”

The production, brought to life by members of the Menomonie Theater Guild (MTG), features a chaotic rollercoaster of mayhem and hilarity, he said. The show will run at The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts (205 Main St. E., Menomonie) from Feb. 20 through March 1.

The farcical “play within a play” spotlights a drama society’s attempts to stage a murder mystery, where the production descends into chaos as the cast struggles with forgotten lines and technical mishaps, all while trying to maintain the illusion of professionalism.

“People tend to be a little hesitant, a little concerned that the theater is very high brow and that it’s for intellectuals,” Bob said. “When really, the theater is entertainment; this particular piece is entertainment at its highest form.”

"Because, like the play – where all of the characters have their share of things going wrong – everyone has their own set of problems to work through in life. Some people are even there to help and stumble with you."

LINDSAY BUTTERFIELD

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, "THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG"

The eight-piece cast and additional crew combines a mix of “old veterans” and new members of MTG alike – some who had never even stepped into The Mabel Tainter's theater, Bob shared.

“We had 40 people audition, which is pretty amazing for a straight play,” he said. Butterfield, whose community theater career began with The Mabel Tainter team, has since worked on 18 shows with MTG and in various community theater productions.

“I felt I could have cast this play four times and had a wonderful cast every time – which is just an amazing thing to be able to do,” Bob said.

He emphasized the success of this slapstick comedy requires more than just skilled actors; the entire crew must understand its comedic timing to generate the necessary chemistry for “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Luckily for Bob, his daughter, Lindsay Butterfield, has been at his side – serving as assistant director – for the production (which is also her debut production) with the MTG.

“Ever since I can remember, my dad has either been acting in or directing productions. I thought my dad was so cool. I still do,” Lindsay said. “Theater made me feel part of something, and it (also) really did feel like a family to me. Cheesy, I know.”

Lindsay, a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate in textile design and theater, had not considered directing until her dad posed the question, “would you like to assistant direct?”

In the time she has worked and led “The Play That Goes Wrong,” she has also supported costume design and fostered new relationships with other fellow theater-lovers in the Chippewa Valley.

“I told her on the way home (one night), that she was coming into her own as an assistant director,” Bob shared. “The interaction and the comfort level that (the cast and Lindsay) had with each other really made me proud.

“My hope is that this (theater) bug will bite her and that she'll want to direct someday, when she’s ready,” he continued.

Both Lindsay and Bob agree, this play emphasizes the importance of the common phrase, “the show must go on.” It is a production which covers all the possible ways life could go wrong, and demonstrates how actors – and ordinary people – can pivot to move forward the best ways they can.

“Just know that you are not alone,” Lindsay said. “Because, like the play – where all of the characters have their share of things going wrong – everyone has their own set of problems to work through in life. Some people are even there to help and stumble with you.”

The duo also hinted “The Play That Goes Wrong” will highlight some audience participation as a core thread throughout the show – encouraging local attendees to play along with the production’s messages of camaraderie and humor.

“Audience participation is essential to this production, and it makes it all that much more enjoyable,” Lindsay said. “It feels different seeing (the play) at the start and watching it grow; I can say for sure that this entire cast has the right kind of chemistry. It's amazing and hilarious to watch.”

Cast members of “The Play That Goes Wrong” (pictured) appear to be scrambling with a script in hand, the set of the play unfurls around them.

“The Play That Goes Wrong,” presented by the Menomonie Theater Guild, will open at 7:30pm on Feb. 20 and continue through March 1. For evening and matinee showtimes – and to purchase tickets ($18-20/person) for the farcical production – visit menomonietheaterguild.org.