'The Play That Goes Wrong': VPA putting on last show of the season

WASILLA — Valley Performing Arts is closing Season 48 with a local adaptation of “The Play That Goes Wrong” which premiers Friday, March 29 at the Glenn Massay Theater.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” is a farcical murder mystery and a “play within play” created by British theater company Mischief Theatre.

VPA posted the following plot synopsis about the upcoming production:

“After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast start to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?”

VPA actor David Meneses is playing the role of Trevor, a sound and lighting technician. Meneses said that he almost cried laughing while working on this play and he hopes it has the same effect on the audience. He said that everyone in the cast and crew has been working really hard to put on the best show possible.

“Come and bring the family. It's guaranteed laughs," Meneses said.

Meneses said this is his first season being involved with VPA. He noted that his wife Rebecca has been involved for over five years and he's glad to have the opportunity to join in on all the fun.

“I absolutely love it," Meneses said.

Meneses said that his career in real estate hasn't given him any opportunities to tap into his creativity so getting to act in a variety of VPA productions while making positive connections with his fellow community members has been an all around enriching experience.

“It's helped fill a void that's been missing for a bit,” Meneses said. “It's a cool avenue to be creative… Awesome friendships have spurred from it.”

Meneses said that he and Rebecca have been involved in multiple VPA productions throughout Season 48. He said that it's been a lot of fun working on various projects but it will also be nice to have a break until the next season.

“It's definitely a bittersweet moment,” Meneses said. “We're excited to see what's coming next year.”

VPA regular showtimes are: 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

For tickets and more information, visit vpaalaska.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com