SANTA MARIA — Pioneer Valley High School Drama Department in Santa Maria will present the comedy ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Nov. 10.
A dead guy who has trouble staying dead, steps that break, props falling down and a rotating bookcase are just a few of the funny disasters awaiting audiences who come to see PVHS Drama Department’s presentation of the comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong.”
The cast and crew, who built the trick props, will take the community back to a play within a play as they try to present “The Murder at Haversham Manor”, a 1920 comedy/murder mystery play.
The shows start at 7 p.m. inside the school’s Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $6 for students and senior citizens.
“It’s just incredible what the students have been doing and learning,’’ said Drama Teacher Shawna Van Gronigen. “They have built a very elaborate set for being in high school.’’
The drama department teamed up with Wood Tech and Tech Theatre Teacher Scott Authier, as part of a CTE Pathway to create the set.
The students said the show is a “must see” for those who like to laugh.
“There is a lot of slapstick and we all laughing,’’ said Rodger Olds, an 11-grader, who is in the crew. “Come relax and laugh.’’
Gabriela Ramirez, a senior who plays Annie, agreed, adding “I have to hold back from busting up on stage …all of us do.”
“It’s so funny,’’ said 11th grader Robert Zarate, who plays Dennis. “Anything that can go wrong does.’’
The comedy was a fun switch from the last two plays, which were musicals, said 11th-grader Nathan Padilla.
“I play a guy who can’t play dead very well and the whole set is laughing,’’ Padilla said. “There is not a boring moment in the show.’’