J.J. Abrams-produced The Play That Goes Wrong heads to Broadway
The Play That Goes Wrong is transferring to Broadway this spring, where everything will hopefully continue to go hilariously wrong. J.J. Abrams is attached as a producer in his theater producing debut.
The comedy, which will transfer from London's West End after a successful run, follows the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they try to put on a 1920s murder mystery. Of course, as the title suggests, everything goes wrong, but the show must go on and the actors bravely try to keep going. The show is written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields of the London-based Mischief Theatre. Mark Bell will direct, and the original West End cast will transfer with the production. The company includes Matthew Cavendish, Bryony Corrigan, Rob Falconer, Dave Hearn, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill, and Nancy Zamit. The play won a 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.
Producer J.J. Abrams said in a statement, "I have been a fan of theater all my life. Embarrassingly, I still have every Playbill, from the very first shows my grandmother took me to. When I saw The Play That Goes Wrong on the West End, I hadn't laughed that hard — seen something as preposterously absurd or wonderfully hilarious — in ages. To be part of the team bringing this inspired comedy to Broadway is a true honor. Whatever happens, I'm saving the Playbill."
The Play That Goes Wrong starts previews March 9, 2017 and opens April 2.
