‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ Brings Big Laughs to the Seattle Rep

We know that life seldom goes according to plan, and we’ve probably all heard “the show must go on!” when faced with adversity. Nowhere is this theory put to the test more than in “The Play That Goes Wrong,” the opening show for the Seattle Rep’s 2025–26 season, running through Sept. 28. This wild, hilarious show will keep the whole family entertained as you watch a determined group of actors strive to keep their show going, even when everything is (literally) falling apart. 

What you’re in for   

The play opens with the leader of the fictional Cornley Drama Society taking the stage to welcome the audience to their “opening night” production of a 1920s murder mystery, “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” As soon as he leaves the stage, the play starts to live up to its name as the mishaps, accidents, forgotten lines, breaking stage props and changing identities start to pile up. According to the program, there are nearly 200 stage mishaps during the two-hour show! The cast bravely tries to keep the play going despite it all, ending in pure theatrical mayhem. 

But keep an eye out before the show begins! As I was walking through the lobby I spotted several cast members (given away only by their stage makeup and projecting voices; they were already fully in character) walking around the lobby searching for a lost cast member. The actors also moved through the theater and interacted with people sitting in the first few rows in ways that got a lot of laughs and applause. 

Why you should take your kids 

Theater is a wonderful, screen-free form of entertainment that allows you to experience something special and unique with a group of people. There’s really nothing quite like it, and in our fast-paced world there are fewer and fewer opportunities to sit in a room together for two hours and laugh. I have been taking my sons to the Seattle Rep since they were in elementary school, and we have seen some amazing shows over the years. 

If your kids are new to theater, this play is a great introduction, especially if they think it will be stuffy or boring. The action never stops, and things just get sillier and more over-the-top as the show progresses, with lights and set parts totally collapsing by the end. The set is impressive and quite elaborate, adding to the feeling that you are seeing a top-notch production. There is a lot of choreography, from fighting to sword play to silly offstage antics that kids will find highly entertaining and impressive. And, of course, the actors are all incredibly talented, bringing their characters to life while putting on a physically demanding performance. 

What parents should know 

According to the Seattle Rep website, this play is recommended for kids ages 8 and older, and I would agree. If kids are young or first-time theater goers, a conversation beforehand is a good idea. It looks like some of the actors are hurt or in danger at some points, and there is smoke, gunshots and even a small fire, so make sure kids understand that this is all okay; it's part of the show and there's no reason to be scared. The roaring laughter of the audience might help them relax, but seeing these things live on a stage is quite different than on a screen, and can feel scary if you aren’t expecting it. 

One cast member spends a good portion of the play sans her costume (a little risqué but no more shocking than a bikini). Another person appears to have gunshot wounds on his back and is supposed to be dead, but since this is the play where it all goes wrong, none of the dead bodies can hold still for very long! 

“The Play that Goes Wrong” proves that sometimes the biggest laughs come from total chaos. It’s a great introduction to live theater for kids, and adults will love it too. Consider catching a matinee, then heading to the Seattle Center for an early dinner. You’ll have plenty to talk and laugh about!