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The Play That Goes Wrong

February 25, 2026 – March 22, 2026

Tickets: Regular $49, Preview $30, Students $25
Group Rate: Groups of 8 or more are eligible for a discount. Call 847.577.2121 or come in person to the Box Office to purchase your discounted tickets.

ABOUT THE SHOW
Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, The Play That Goes Wrong is an Olivier-Award winning gut-busting global sensation that is guaranteed to leave you aching from laughter. In this farcical fiasco of a show, a bungling troupe of thespians attempts to stage a 1920s WHODUNIT murder mystery. Instead, these accident-prone actors trip over everything, including their lines, and things quickly go from bad to absolutely disastrous. From a fainting femme to a corpse that can’t quite croak, The Play That Goes Wrong features everything you never wanted in a show. Will these avocational actors even make it to the final curtain? Come see this wildly entertaining, side-splitting show and find out!

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG OPEN CALL AUDITIONS

PRODUCTION: The Play That Goes Wrong

THEATRE: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

PRODUCTION TEAM:

  • Johanna McKenzie Miller – Director
  • Tiffany Gates – Executive Director
  • Matthew D. Carney, CSA – Casting Director

KEY PRODUCTION DATES:

  • 1st Possible Rehearsal: 1/20/26*
  • Tech Begins: 2/17/26
  • Preview #1: 2/25/26
  • Opening: 2/28/26
  • Closing: 3/22/26
  • Possible Extension: 3/29/26
  • *Metropolis is looking at switching to a shorter two-week, mostly daytime rehearsal
    schedule for this production. Tech rehearsals will remain in the evenings and on
    weekends. All dates and times are subject to change.

SEEKING:

  • Strong comedic nonunion actors with exceptional timing, wit, and physical comedy. Most
    roles require RP British dialect.

TYPE & PAY RATES:

  • $700 Rehearsal Stipend
  • $70/Show

OPEN CALL AUDITIONS:

  • Saturday 12/13/25 2 pm-4 pm
  • Please sign up for an audition appointment using the link below. If you are unable to get an appointment, walk-ins will be seen on a first-come, first-seen basis.
  • Book an audition slot HERE
  • Please bring your current headshot and resume.
  • Please choose ONE character and prepare the material for that role.
  • Character Sides

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

The Play That Goes Wrong is a “play within a play.” The character names below are the Actor’s name, followed by the character the Actor in the play is playing in parentheses.

ANNIE TWILLOIL (Stage Manager) – She embarks on the most transformative journey in the production. Initially working tirelessly behind the scenes to solve problems, she is unexpectedly cast into the spotlight as Florence, the leading lady. American dialect.

CHRIS BEAN (Inspector Carter & Director) – head of the drama society, directed the play and plays Inspector Carter. A perfectionist, every laugh from the audience tests his resolve. RP British dialect.

ROBERT GROVE (Thomas Colleymoore) – Aspires to greatness with a Richard Burtonesque ambition but remains cheerfully clueless on stage. RP British dialect.

MAX BENNETT (Cecil Haversham & Arthur the Gardener) – “The Murder at Haversham Manor” is Max’s stage debut. He brings a refreshing honesty and earnestness. With no prior acting experience, his sincere attempts to follow directions exactly shine, especially when he breaks the fourth wall. RP British dialect.

DENNIS TYDE (Perkins) – Perkins is the butler in the play. Dennis struggles with lines and pronunciation, and audience laughter often feels like a spotlight on his mistakes. RP British dialect.

TREVOR WATSON (Lighting & Sound Operator) – Unexpectedly finds himself in the spotlight due to unforeseen chaos. Comfortable behind the scenes, he’s suddenly required to act, briefly taking on the role of Florence. American dialect.

SANDRA WILKINSON (Florence Colleymoore) – Combines her vaulting ambition with a pronounced vanity, always with an eye on Hollywood. She’s convinced of her unmatched talent with the company and struggles with adaptability when faced with unexpected changes. RP British dialect.

JONATHAN HARRIS (Charles Haversham) – Embodies a James Bondesque charisma, blending suave charm with a strong physical presence. RP British dialect.

Scenic Sponsor
Coda Bears, Inc.
Props Sponsor
Coda Bears, Inc.
Season Paint Sponsor
Marc Poulos Painting
Season Costume Storage Sponsor
Jennifer Burnidge - State Farm Agent | 847-253-5678

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