The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Note: Fog, strobe light, and gunshots are used in the play.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Performance Times:
7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays
Theatre:
John Viars Theatre
Run Time:
2 hours including a 15-minute intermission
Content Advisory:
The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261.
Download Playbill

In the News

Interview with Sean Canuso and John Viars, The Culture Buzz, KFMG 98.3, May 22, 2024

Interview with Jackie Schmillen and Nathan Jorgensen, Hello Iowa, WHO-TV13, June 4, 2024

Company

  • Annie

    Samantha Aaron

    Annie
  • Robert / Thomas Colleymoore

    Sean Canuso

    Robert / Thomas Colleymoore
  • Chris / Inspector Carter

    Shane Donegan

    Chris / Inspector Carter
  • Dennis / Perkins

    Charlie Hubbard

    Dennis / Perkins
  • Max / Cecil Haversham / Arthur the Gardener

    Nathan Jorgensen

    Max / Cecil Haversham / Arthur the Gardener
  • Trevor

    Logan Klein

    Trevor
  • Sandra / Florence Colleymoore

    Jackie Schmillen

    Sandra / Florence Colleymoore
  • Jonathan / Charles Haversham

    Daniel Tuchscherer

    Jonathan / Charles Haversham
  • Director

    John W Viars

    Director
  • Fight & Stunt Choreographer

    Brandon Brockshus

    Fight & Stunt Choreographer
  • Scenic Designer

    Isabel Curley-Clay

    Scenic Designer
  • Scenic Designer

    Moriah Curley-Clay

    Scenic Designer
  • Costume Designer

    Angela Lampe

    Costume Designer
  • Lighting Designer

    Virgil Kleinhesselink

    Lighting Designer
  • Properties Designer

    Grace Ammann

    Properties Designer
  • Stage Manager

    Greg Millar

    Stage Manager
  • Assistant Director

    Toni K Farris

    Assistant Director
  • Assistant Stage Manager

    Jonathan Garton

    Assistant Stage Manager

Photos/Video

  • The Play That Goes Wrong is a non-stop laugh riot featuring (left to right) Sean Canuso, Charlie Hubbard, Nathan Jorgensen, Logan Klein, Samantha Aaron, Daniel Tuchscherer (on the chaise lounge), Jackie Schmillen, and Shane Donegan. The Play That Goes Wrong is May 31-June 16, 2024, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

  • The Play That Goes Wrong is a non-stop laugh riot featuring (clockwise from left) Charlie Hubbard, Sean Canuso, Shane Donegan, Nathan Jorgensen, Jackie Schmillen, and Daniel Tuchscherer (on the chaise lounge). The Play That Goes Wrong is May 31-June 16, 2024, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

  • The Play That Goes Wrong is a non-stop laugh riot featuring (left to right) Sean Canuso, Charlie Hubbard, Nathan Jorgensen, Logan Klein, Samantha Aaron, Daniel Tuchscherer (on the chaise lounge), Jackie Schmillen, and Shane Donegan. The Play That Goes Wrong is May 31-June 16, 2024, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

  • The Play That Goes Wrong is a non-stop laugh riot featuring (back row) Logan Klein and Samantha Aaron, (middle row) Sean Canuso and Daniel Tuchscherer, and (front) Jackie Schmillen. The Play That Goes Wrong is May 31-June 16, 2024, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

    Download Photo

Press Release

Des Moines Playhouse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kill Date: June 16, 2024
Subject: The Des Moines Playhouse Presents The Play That Goes Wrong
Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing & Public Relations Director, 515-974-5358

The Des Moines Playhouse presents The Play That Goes Wrong, May 31-June 16, 2024. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515.277.6261. The Play That Goes Wrong is sponsored by AARP Iowa.

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embarks on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. Hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Playhouse cast includes Samantha Aaron, Sean Canuso, Shane Donegan, Charlie Hubbard, Nathan Jorgensen, Logan Klein, Jackie Schmillen, and Daniel Tuchscherer. The Play That Goes Wrong is directed by John W. Viars with fight and stunt choreography by Brandon Bockshus, scenic design by Isabel & Moriah Curley-Clay, costume design by Angela Lampe, and lighting design by Virgil Kleinhesselink.

The Playhouse mission, as one of Iowa's largest and oldest producing theatres, is to create extraordinary, shared experiences through live theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage. 

The Play That Goes Wrong Performances
May 31-June 16, 2024
7:30 PM Wednesdays-Saturdays
2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong Tickets 
Tickets start at $29
To purchase: Dmplayhouse.com, 515-277-6261, or Des Moines Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312

###

 

 

Show Credits

By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, & Henry Shields

Presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service under license from Mischief Worldwide Ltd., www.dramatists.com

Sponsored by

  • AARP Iowa