PREVIEW: MAKING IT RIGHT IN “THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG” - INTERVIEW WITH PRODUCER BRIAN MORTON
In two weeks time, Dundas Little Theatre is taking on an ambitious and well-beloved theatrical production where meta meets mischief in The Play That Goes Wrong. A well-meaning community theatre trope attempts to stage an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery but unfortunately, almost nothing goes according to plan. There’s missing props, scenery mishaps, forgotten lines, unconscious actors which forces an increasingly desperate production team to turn the evening into a brilliant and hilarious choreographed disaster. A mischief theatre masterpiece, The Play That Goes Wrong proves that no matter how badly things unravel, the show must somehow go on.
I had the pleasure of a virtual interview with the show’s producer Brian Morton and together, we discuss the intense rehearsal process, the ambitious set design for the fearless Dundas Little Theatre crew and why mischief theatre is a delightful experience to watch unfold.
What inspired you to be involved as producer in Dundas Little Theatre’s production of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG?
BM: I've always loved theatre that makes people laugh, particularly the kind of comedy that requires enormous discipline and precision to make everything appear completely spontaneous. THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG is a wonderful example of that because, at surface level, it looks like absolute chaos, but underneath there is a beautifully constructed piece of theatre that demands tremendous concentration and teamwork.
What attracted me particularly was the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of people who aren't afraid to take risks, look ridiculous, and throw themselves wholeheartedly into the comedy. Dundas Little Theatre has always encouraged creativity and collaboration, and this production gives everyone an opportunity to stretch their theatrical muscles in some very unexpected directions.
What are some ways director and actor Elaine Hale has prepared to take on the role of the Stage Manager Annie and how has the rehearsal process assisted with that?
BM: The role of Annie is a particularly interesting character because she's really not supposed to be performing at all! She's the stage manager, the person who is supposed to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Unfortunately, circumstances conspire to push her into the spotlight, and things become increasingly complicated.
During rehearsals, Elaine concentrated on developing her reactions, physical movements, and relationships with the other characters. Timing is absolutely everything in this show, and even the smallest movement can affect an entire sequence. The rehearsal process has been invaluable because we've been able to experiment, make mistakes, and discover what works. Interestingly, rehearsing a play about things going wrong requires us to get almost everything absolutely right!
The ‘stage crew’ featuring Elaine Hale, Alicia Nunn and Ky Moruzi
Photo by: Keith Sharp
Dundas Little Theatre has created some of the most inventive set designs in the community. How has THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG challenged your set design team and, without spoilers, how has that affected how the production is staged?
BM: I think our set design team deserves a standing ovation before the curtain even goes up! This is an extraordinarily demanding production from a technical perspective because the set is almost another character in the play. Normally, theatrical scenery is designed to be sturdy, dependable, and completely predictable. In THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, we are asking our designers and builders to approach things rather differently.
The challenge is creating something that appears dangerously unpredictable while remaining completely controlled and safe for the performers. That's no small accomplishment, especially in an intimate theatre where the audience can see virtually everything.
Without revealing any surprises, I can promise audiences that what happens to the scenery is every bit as entertaining as what happens to the unfortunate people attempting to perform upon it!
What have been some highlights and/or challenges in bringing this production to the stage?
BM: The biggest challenge has undoubtedly been making everything look effortless when, in reality, it requires an extraordinary amount of effort! Physical comedy is tremendously demanding, and this production has an astonishing number of moving parts. There are moments when several things must happen almost simultaneously, and if one element is slightly out of place, it can affect everything that follows. We've had to develop enormous trust in one another.
What has been particularly rewarding is watching the company gradually bring all these complicated elements together. Something that seemed almost impossible during an early rehearsal suddenly works, and everybody bursts into laughter.
I think that's one of the great pleasures of community theatre. People from different backgrounds come together, contribute their individual talents, and create something none of us could possibly accomplish alone. We've overcome challenges through patience, repetition, communication, and, most importantly, maintaining our collective sense of humour throughout the process.
What makes producing Mischief Theatre such as THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG important to you?
BM: I think laughter is terribly important, particularly at a time when the world can seem rather overwhelming. Theatre gives us an opportunity to escape our everyday concerns for a couple of hours and share an experience with other people.
What I particularly admire about Mischief Theatre is that their comedy is rooted in a wonderful theatrical tradition. You can see elements of British farce, vaudeville, slapstick, and even the great silent film comedians such as Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. Yet, underneath all the physical mayhem, there is something rather touching about these characters. They desperately want to put on a good show, despite being spectacularly ill-equipped to accomplish it.
Ultimately, we're celebrating the determination of people who refuse to give up, no matter what disasters come their way. And if audiences leave the theatre laughing, we've accomplished something wonderful.
(Left to right): Johnny Thirakul as Robert, Trinity Ozimok as Sandra, and Michael Wilmot as Dennis
Photo by: Keith Sharp
Thank you Brian, for your wonderful insights into how the cast, crew and production team are making things just right in The Play That Goes Wrong. If you’ve never seen a mischief theatre production before, now is your chance! Seasoned theatre goers will delight in the chaos. First time theatre goers might be horrified (in a good way). Anyone who has been part of a theatre crew and production teams alike will love the meta of it all. Be sure to support the mischief and mayhem at Dundas Little Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong running from November 6-22, 2026.
