The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) is looking forward to its spring, 2025 production of the uproarious hit play “The Play That Goes Wrong” under the spirited direction of local theatre veteran Gary Hall. Audiences can expect unforgettable laughter-inducing performances full of unexpected hilarity from this comic gold “play within a play” murder mystery sponsored by Murphy Pitard Jewelers and All About Flowers.
Gary Hall is no stranger to the SAAC stage having performed in his first show in 1975. He has dedicated nearly five decades to the performing arts, demonstrating a remarkable versatility across over 100 productions with extensive experience that encompasses roles both on and off the stage, including acting, directing, design, and management. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, TV, and Film from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and a Master of Arts in Theatre from Louisiana Tech University, Hall serves as the Entertainment and Media Arts Program Director and Professor at South Arkansas College.
“The Play That Goes Wrong” introduces the audience to the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage their new production: the 1920s murder mystery “Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, chaos reigns as the crew faces a series of mishaps — from disappearing props and missing actors to the entire set collapsing around them. As the play unfolds, the characters are pushed to their limits in a hilarious race against time and circumstance.
“The Play That Goes Wrong has no pretense. The title says it all. Just when you ask yourself ‘What else could go wrong?’ you get your answer. This show is a rollercoaster that never slows down,” said Hall sharing his excitement about directing this comedic spectacle. “I’m looking for seasoned people who can maximize the comedy while keeping the characters real and down to earth. The fact that this poor cast has so much going against it and perseveres to the end speaks to the very essence of ‘The Show Must Go On!’”
He adds, “The challenge is to make it all look accidental and unplanned while remaining completely safe and controlled — but not looking that way. If you’ve ever been on stage, you know what happens when something goes terribly wrong and you must pretend it didn’t. It’s stressful and scary, but it makes for a great story afterward. This play is a fun and FUNNY way to escape the world’s stress. If you’re not laughing from beginning to end, check your pulse.”
Join Director Gary Hall for all the joy, laughter, and mayhem when “The Play That Goes Wrong” takes the stage in spring 2025. Auditions will be hosted in February with the production in April. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.