Play On!

by Rick Abbot

This is a wonderful comedy about life behind the scenes of the theater. Much like Noises Off.

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Humor

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Tori · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kept thinking that this was doing a bad job imitating Noises Off, and then I realized it was published before Noises Off...

This has aged VERY poorly and the fatphobia made me want to throw the script across the room.

[my scary library]

You know what? I watched the whole production last night so it counts!

[Lucas Spears · Rating 3 out of 5]

This play invariably begets comparisons to Noises Off!—given that they're both about the backstage workings of a doomed production—and going by that comparison Play On! is shorter and more doable by the average cast (albeit not nearly as side-splitting).

Art stands on its own merits, though, so: Play On!, done right (that is the important bit) can be hysterically funny.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked behind the scenes in this play. Reminds me of Noises Off. Very funny. 1989

[Sasha Dovzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious play! Can't wait to play Violet!

[Teaandbooksplease · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remembered seeing this play as a young teen and not being able to breath I was laughing so hard. I hadn't read or seen it since, so when I picked it up at the Drama Bookstore I was afraid I would be disappointed. But it's still amazing! The basic storyline follows a troupe of very bad amateur actors putting on murder mystery. It's not a particularly original plot and it's fraught with stereotypical characters but it's so well-written that the audience takes all that with the grain of salt the playwright undoubtedly intended. It's the kind of play where the zaniness just piles up until, by the end of the 3rd Act, everything that can possibly go wrong has and the audience is in stitches. I love it.

[Tiffany Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has potential and would be a lot of fun for audience members who have been part of putting on shows. There are a lot of "outside-the-box" options and theatre-in-the-round -type possibilities. There isn't a lot of plot, so a lot depends on the actors pulling this one off. Act III could be a riot. 3.5 stars

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Darn Funny! A theatrical type persons script for sure. I hope to see it done on stage.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already did this. Loved it, but nobody wants to do the lame sequel.

[Lo · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some funny parts, but mostly I found the characters to be insufferable or ridiculous. To be fair, I didn't see the play; I only read it.

[Vicky Rodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a very funny play but some of the English is not well written . Very easy and quick to read

[Steven Slaughter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The verdict is out on this one for me. I would love to direct it as a high school show, but I'm just not sure. I love it's "Noises Off" similarities combined with its much-easier-to--pull-off-technically aspect (and "Noises Off" is just too bawdy for a HS show, at least at my school). I have read it a few times and still can't decide whether it is a really good play or not. I see the potential for some very funny bits, but it doesn't seem that tight all the way through. Also, I've watched some clips on youtube of several previous productions and without fail, they were not good. Granted, much is lost in videos of stage performances. I realize this. Still, these were pretty bad, so maybe it is just the material that is not that strong in real life. If anyone knows of some clips from a show they believe is actually well-done, I would love to see those. I have very talented student and believe they could do a really good job with the material, and would enjoy working on the show, but the question is...is it a good play?

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remembered seeing this play as a young teen and not being able to breath I was laughing so hard. I hadn't read or seen it since, so when I picked it up at the Drama Bookstore I was afraid I would be disappointed. But it's still amazing! The basic storyline follows a troupe of very bad amateur actors putting on murder mystery. It's not a particularly original plot and it's fraught with stereotypical characters but it's so well-written that the audience takes all that with the grain of salt the playwright undoubtedly intended. It's the kind of play where the zaniness just piles up until, by the end of the 3rd Act, everything that can possibly go wrong has and the audience is in stitches. I love it.

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible!!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come see it at Anderson in May.

[Molly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so not impressed with this. The beginning was wonderfully done. But as the play continues on it begins to lose steam and the ending absolutely stinks. Don't waste your time on this one.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A play within a play. A wonderful comedy if done correctly. Very enjoyable.

[Clara Bennet · Rating 4 out of 5]

first read through: laughed so hard I cried at least twice.