‘Play That Goes Wrong’ is Really Right at Attic

If you’ve ever been involved with a theatrical production or just love community theater, you will find this play a hoot.

“I think audiences will find humor in the fact that the mistakes in this show are all something that many people have possibly seen in theater. But in this show, they’re purposeful,” said Millie Lawrence, co-director with husband, Seth Lawrence, of The Attic Theatre’s next production, “The Play That Goes Wrong.” The show opens Thursday and continues through Saturday at The Ivy Tech Auditorium in Noblesville.

The play is a classic murder-mystery full of mishaps on opening night of “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that plays dead and actors who trip over everything, including their lines.

“Some set pieces will fall, actors will forget their lines, sounds go off at the wrong times. The audience will see our actors go through a mess of ‘mistakes’ and do an excellent job doing it,” Millie Lawrence said.

The co-directors have learned a lot about all the pieces it takes to put together a show, she said. “It’s not just directing our actors, but there’s so much more to understanding the story as a whole, finding props, designing the set, marketing and being in constant communication with our crew.”

As far as what they’ve taught their cast?

“The biggest thing to teach our actors is to read the audience,” she said. “Comedic timing entirely depends on what the audience is feeling, and having our actors pause to allow our audience to laugh will encourage more laughter.”

Unlike some theaters that prospective directors choose the plays, The Attic Theatre board of directors chose the play. “Seth and I wanted to direct a comedy, so we were thrilled when the board of directors asked us to direct this show,” she said.

This play is a first-time experience for many of the show’s crew members. It’s also the first time that Seth and Millie Lawrence have co-directed. It’s the first time for Clayton Cina to be assistant director. It’s the first time for Robert Lee to be technical director. It’s the first time for Becky Mosier to do costume design.

“We have all had to have a lot of patience with each other as we all figure out how to put on a show,” Millie Lawrence said. “We have had a lot of communication, so we all have a common goal, but we are so grateful for our terrific cast of seasoned performers that have natural comedic timing that make our jobs easy.”

Millie Lawrence assistant directed The Attic Theatre’s “Sense & Sensibility” last season and Seth Lawrence has directing experience since he studied theater at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion.

The Lawrences — Millie, who was born and raised in Indianapolis and is an event coordinator, and Seth, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh and is a warehouse assistant manager — both grew up with theater, with older siblings involved in theater in school. Millie Lawrence loves all things Disney, theater and crafting. Seth Lawrence loves theater, board games and movies.

They joined The Attic Theatre in 2021. Some of the theater’s founders attended college with Seth at Indiana Wesleyan, so he was asked to join by some of his friends, “and we’ve just stuck,” Millie Lawrence said.

“We love the atmosphere and positivity this theater encourages,” she said. “Everyone is constantly encouraging each other, and we love learning from all ages of the participants of this theater.”

Contact Betsy Reason at betsy@thetimes24-7.com.