We’re counting down the days to one of the most exciting moments of the year at Abrams Spotlight Productions — our 2026 season reveal! Mark your calendars for October 1st, when we officially announce the three incredible shows that will light up our stage next year. After months of thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and planning, our selection committee has curated a season that is bold, dynamic, and filled with heart — a true reflection of the high-caliber theater our audiences have come to expect.
The upcoming season promises the same quality and passion that have defined our past productions, with an exciting twist — new directors will be bringing their fresh perspectives and unique visions to the stage. These talented individuals are ready to put their creative stamp on each show, ensuring every production feels both familiar and brand new. Whether you’re drawn to big musical moments, powerful storytelling, or family-friendly fun, there’s something in this lineup for everyone.
Our 2026 season is designed to entertain, inspire, and unite audiences of all ages. We can’t wait to share the titles with you and begin this next chapter of theater magic in Abrams. Stay tuned for the big reveal on October 1st — we promise, it’ll be worth the wait!
When disaster strikes, laughter follows… repeatedly.
If you had the joy of seeing The Play That Goes Wrong, then you know it’s a masterclass in comedic chaos. From collapsing scenery to flubbed lines and hilariously overcommitted performances, this show delivers nonstop laughter. While it’s nearly impossible to choose just five, here are the top moments that had audiences in absolute stitches:
1. The Repeating Lines (and the Unforgettable Spit Take) At the heart of live theater is the unpredictable—and when characters get caught in an accidental loop of repeating lines, the result is comedy gold. Add in a perfectly mistimed (and generously sprayed) spit take MULTIPLE TIMES, and the scene turns into an uproarious mess of confusion, frustration, and surprise. It’s the kind of moment where the actors’ commitment to the bit is as impressive as it is hilarious.
2. The Wall of Woes: Objects Keep Falling (and They Keep Putting Them Back)
Cecil Haversham and Thomas Colleymore deserve medals for endurance and timing during the infamous “wall mishaps.” As set pieces begin to tumble off the walls mid-scene, the two struggle desperately—and with increasing panic—to restore order without breaking character. Their back-and-forth attempts to prop up pictures and décor while trying to maintain dialogue is slapstick perfection.
3. Florence Colleymore and the Window Debacle
When Florence Colleymore gets knocked out cold, what’s the logical solution? Pull her limp body through a tiny window, of course. What follows is one of the most side-splitting physical comedy routines of the entire show. Cast and crew awkwardly maneuver, hoist, and wrestle with the unresponsive Florence in a valiant (and ridiculous) effort to keep the show going. The audience reaction? Roaring laughter.
4. The Not-So-Smooth Exit of Charles Haversham
When it’s time to remove the “lifeless” body of Charles Haversham from the scene, the cast attempts what should be a simple task. But nothing is ever simple in The Play That Goes Wrong. What follows is a hilariously botched effort that includes an unceremonious slide, a very uncooperative stretcher, and a dramatic exit that leaves poor Charles in quite the predicament. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the show’s blend of physical comedy and escalating absurdity.
5. Annie and Trevor’s (Very) Dramatic Interpretation of Florence Colleymore
When the actors start dropping, it’s up to stage manager Annie and technician Trevor to save the show—and their attempts to fill in for Florence Colleymore are gloriously terrible. From stiff body language to bizarre vocal inflections, their performances are the theatrical equivalent of duct tape and hope. The result? Some of the biggest laughs of the night.
Special Mention: Trevor’s Unexpected Moment with Arthur the Gardener
Of all the unexpected moments in the show, one of the biggest laugh-getters comes from Trevor and Arthur the Gardener. What begins as a simple case of filling in onstage quickly spirals into something wildly absurd—and side-splittingly funny! We won’t spoil the gag, but trust us: it’s worth seeing for yourself. Audiences have erupted with laughter every time, proving that even the crew can deliver some of the show’s most unforgettable comedy.
Whether you laughed until you cried or are still laughing over your favorite parts, these moments are what made The Play That Goes Wrong so incredibly right. What was your favorite moment? Don’t miss the encore performances of The Play That Goes Wrong, returning by popular demand September 19–21 at Abrams Spotlight Productions! If you missed it the first time—or just want to laugh all over again—this is your chance to experience the hilarious mayhem that had audiences in stitches. Tickets are on sale now, so mark your calendars and grab your seats before they’re gone. Join us for one more round of theatrical disaster done right!
Self-efficacy. An individual’s belief in their ability to succeed in a specific situation or accomplish a task.
Back in 2010, while taking a college psychology course, we created a small experiment. There were two different groups of adults over the age of 30 given a basic knowledge exam. Group A was told before the exam, “Most people over the age of 30 do poorly on this exam,” while Group B was told, “Most people over the age of 30 do really well on this exam.” As the test results came in, we noticed a trend: Group B scored significantly higher on the test. Many other, more official studies have shown this same thing to be true. New Year’s resolutions always seem to fade away right around the time your brain starts telling you, “I can’t really read 20 books this year.”
In my life, theater has been the place where I have noticed the power of self-efficacy more than anywhere else. When I show up to an audition, a rehearsal, or a performance very shy with a head full of “I’m going to make a fool of myself,” those doubts almost always join me on the stage. In contrast, in moments where I really believe in myself and the work put in, I tend to get the most positive feedback from crowds (laughter, cheering, kind words afterwards). That is exactly why I have been so passionate about helping other people believe in themselves!
There has been no greater joy over my six years with ASPI than watching a fellow actor’s face light up when they step onto the stage and completely own a moment. We are so thrilled this year to be offering our first-ever audition workshop for younger performers. Auditioning can be such a scary thing for people. “What if they don’t like me?” “What if my voice cracks during my song?” “What if I forget the words?” “What if I wore the wrong shirt?” Our hope during the audition workshop is to empower young actors in our area to walk into their auditions with much more confidence, so that they can achieve their highest potential. Ultimately, my hope is that the self-confidence students learn on stage at our theater translates into all of the other areas of their lives—because the first step in changing the world for the better is believing that you can.
We’re excited to share that ASPI’s first kids camp will be held on August 17th! While all spots have already been filled, we do have a waitlist started. If you’re interested in getting on the list, please call the box office at 920-826-5852.
My first foray into theater was with Machickanee Players in Oconto. My kiddos were little girls when I joined the fold. They are now in their forties. I did lights and sound for such productions as Blithe Spirit and, my favorite, Our Town. (My then 11-year-old daughter Lauren played Rebecca Gibbs.) I was on stage in a fair number of plays, and directed a few as well. I also ended up directing spring productions at Oconto High School while my daughters attended. It was a marvelous experience to share with my daughter (she chose to work back stage for productions I directed) and all the students. I was witness to their transformations into character and overcoming shyness and fear. I saw the impact of having taken on and accomplishing the challenge of being part of a production.
What I cherish from those years of involvement was a grounding and a deep awareness of what makes community theater so dear, so special: the friendships and the setting aside of our personal lives for a few hours each night during rehearsals to be ‘in the moment’ and interact ‘in character.’ (This is a cathartic and life-changing experience which expands and enhances one’s perspective on life.) And it culminates in opening night and the live performances before an audience of people who live where you do.
The sphere of Broadway theater is the pinnacle of professional achievement. But community theater offers something Broadway cannot: the immediacy, the familiarity between audience and actors when the lights go up. They are not strangers. They are friends who grew up in the same town, the people who cross paths while doing weekend errands or out for a Friday night fish fry, perhaps even fellow fans at a Packers game. And when the lights go up, they are people watching actors they know on the stage, or actors seeing people they know amongst the spectators in the seats.
There is a magic in community theater and it is grounded in that familiarity. It takes root from the very first rehearsals and grows exponentially. Back stage staff, set designers and builders, those who find (or make) the props, those who coordinate the wardrobe, lighting and sound—volunteers all—create the world the actors will inhabit. Actors bond and come to trust each other while they memorize lines and become familiar with each other ‘in character,’ knowing that everyone is taking things extremely seriously even as they enjoy the process of becoming the characters they are playing. The director manages it all in a way, as the old saying goes, that is rather like shepherding cats, watching the actors grow into and inhabit their characters as the production begins to take shape. And, at the end of the rehearsal evening, reflecting back to them what is working (or not quite), all toward Opening Night, when the magic is shared with the audience and draws them into it.
Being on stage before an audience is rather a freefall. It can be daunting, but oh, so exhilarating, to be ‘in the moment,’ being the character, interacting with each other in creating the reality of the play’s story. We achieve the same level of perfection in local theater productions as would be found in any running on Broadway. But whether as actors or crew, technicians, builders, coordinators, director, or audience members, we are privileged to experience that perfection with people we know—as friends, or family, or even simply in passing.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making The Play That Goes Wrong a truly unforgettable—and record-breaking—experience! Your laughter, energy, and standing ovations filled our theater with life, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your overwhelming support. This run has been one for the books, and it’s all because of you—our amazing audience.
But wait… the chaos isn’t over yet.
Back by Popular Demand… It’s an Encore Performance!
That’s right! Due to unprecedented demand, we’re thrilled to announce three encore performances of The Play That Goes Wrong:
September 19, 20 & 21 Tickets on sale NOW
Whether you missed the madness the first time or just can’t get enough of the hilarious mayhem, this is your chance to see the show that had everyone in stitches—one more time!
A Brief Intermission… But We’ll Be Back!
While our stage will be going dark for a short time, we’re already preparing for our next big adventure:
Auditions for A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr. will be held August 19 & 20. Mark your calendars and stay connected on social media for more audition details.
Help Keep the Spotlight Bright
Community theater thrives because of passionate people like you! Here’s how you can support ASPI:
Donate – Help us continue bringing high-quality productions to our community. Every dollar makes a difference.
Volunteer – Whether backstage, ushering, or behind the scenes—there’s a place for you in our theater family. Email us at theater.aspi@gmail.com to get involved.
With sincere appreciation, Abrams Spotlight Productions Excitement is Building at YOUR Community Theater
At Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc., we believe great theater starts long before the curtain rises. That’s why we’re already hard at work planning an exciting lineup for 2026—and we’re thrilled to share that the process is well underway!
Our season selection committee began meeting in March and has been diligently working behind the scenes to shape another memorable year of community theater. The committee is tasked with a big job: reaching out to prospective directors, reviewing show submissions, checking the availability of performance rights, and setting up the production schedule for the full season.
After much discussion and research, we’re happy to announce that we’ve already secured the rights to all 3 shows planned for 2026! While we’re keeping the titles under wraps for now, we can promise a season full of energy, heart, and entertainment for all ages.
The official reveal of our 2026 season will happen in October, when we’ll also open up season ticket sales—your chance to lock in great seats for another unforgettable year of performances at ASPI.
Stay tuned, mark your calendars, and get ready—because the spotlight will be shining bright in 2026!
Thanks so much for coming out and supporting live theatre. Without you, we’d… well, we’d probably still be doing this for an empty room, but that’s not nearly as fun for anyone. Your presence makes the chaos worthwhile.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a unique kind of beast—a show where everything falls apart on purpose, but still needs to be razor-sharp to land just right. It’s a heck of a challenge, and I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible cast and crew who dove in headfirst, embraced the madness, and made this disaster of a play a smashing success.
A huge shoutout to David Jolly and his team for building a set that’s practically a character of its own. You’ll see what I mean soon enough. It’s an architectural marvel… that occasionally tries to eat people.
This is the third show I’ve had the pleasure of directing, and every time I’m reminded just how much talent, energy, and heart goes into making local theatre happen. Please keep coming out, keep cheering us on, and keep supporting the arts in any way you can.
While we’re on that note—if you’re looking for more theatre-adjacent goodness in the area, check out the2nd Annual Green Bay Fringe Festival coming this July www.gbfringe.com
And while we’re on the topic of supporting the arts, come join my secret club.
Enjoy the show (and try not to get too close to the set—it has a mind of its own).
Prepare yourself for a riot of laughter with “The Play That Goes Wrong,” a comedic masterpiece that has captivated audiences since its debut in 2012. Penned by the talented trio of Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, this brilliantly chaotic production takes you behind the curtain of a fictional amateur theater company, where a group of well-meaning yet utterly clumsy actors attempt to stage a murder mystery. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything!
From props that refuse to cooperate to actors getting tangled in ludicrous scenarios, this play serves up an endless parade of comedic calamities that will have you doubled over in laughter. The chemistry among the characters, mixed with impeccable comic timing, draws the audience into a whirlwind of hilarity.
But the real magic goes beyond the actors—the technical elements of this production are nothing short of a hidden treasure! The clever design of malfunctioning sets requires not just creativity but also precision and safety measures to ensure the actors can thrive amidst the chaos. Every fall, every mishap, every moment of pandemonium is baked into the script, making the cast’s ability to keep their composure all the more impressive. It’s a feat that involves a team of technical wizards and skilled carpenters who breathe life into their wildest ideas.
One standout moment involves the clever use of a window, which becomes the comedic centerpiece when one of the actresses unexpectedly gets knocked unconscious mid-show. With her character unable to exit the stage, the entire cast (and crew!) finds themselves in a hilarious scramble to figure out how to remove her from the spotlight. Cue the antics!
Speaking of the crew, they aren’t just behind-the-scenes heroes; they’re an integral part of the performance! Audiences delight in watching these four crew members navigate the chaos on and off stage, working tirelessly to fix every misstep. With each show, you never quite know what surprises might unfold!
“The Play That Goes Wrong” is more than just a comedy; it’s a jubilant celebration of the theater itself, reminding us that sometimes, a well-executed disaster can outshine a flawless performance. Whether you’re a theater aficionado or simply someone in need of a good laugh, this play delivers a heartwarming experience that revels in the beauty of imperfection. With its unmatched wit and charm, it’s no surprise that “The Play That Goes Wrong” has become a cherished staple on stages around the world. Get ready for a night of uproarious fun!
Let’s set the stage for ASPI’s upcoming production, The Play That Goes Wrong!
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, ‘Murder at Haversham Manor’. The production begins before the curtain has even been raised. With the audience present while the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society prepares to stage their new production, props start to disappear, actors go missing, and the set begins to collapse around, and often on, the cast. Mayhem ensues!
To bring this comedic chaos to the stage, a great deal of time, engineering, and experimentation was necessary for ASPI’s tech team! The humor of the show is that the cast bravely present the story almost oblivious to the technical failures, while the audience is wondering what will go wrong next and how will the cast improvise amidst those challenges.
There are many set “failures” that are written into the script to propel the story! Many of these technical failures are what we would call stunts, gags, or tricks. In order for these stunts to be executed safely for both the cast and crew, it required creative thinking and engineering!
The most engineered trick is a falling second floor level! At one point in the show, two cast members are on a second floor platform that is four feet off of the stage level. The support for this platform is inadvertently (on purpose) kicked out and the platform is to fall in a series of inclines while the actors soldier on. This amounts to a very serious engineering feat that requires equipment and design to execute safely. In this instance, David Jolly (Tech Director) chose pneumatic support of the platform. This provides the necessary support while exhibiting a bouncy, unpredictable visual as it is allowed to fall to increasingly steep angles. Anchoring this platform so that it is appropriately supported was a very difficult proposition!
Another trick that needed planning to execute was items “falling” off the walls. This was not an easy trick considering that many items fall off the walls in unison and some are replaced only to fall off again. If this wasn’t enough of a challenge, the walls that hold these items eventually fall themselves!
As an audience member, you will be able to see the ASPI backstage crew on stage throughout the performance. The crew is actually cast in the show to participate and execute the stunts in full view of the audience.
Many thanks go to David Jolly and Cyndee Sweetland for their set design, Cyndee and her A team (painting crew) who provided the rich colors and visual interest in creating the look of Haversham manor, and to David Jolly, Vince Baudry, and Al Steeno for building the set and gags! Also many thanks to all who assisted with props!
Any audience members that are intrigued and would like to learn more about the execution of the engineering and students in The Play That Goes Wrong are encouraged to reach out to a cast member, staff member, or David Jolly after the performance for a tour and further explanation.
Tickets are on sale NOW! Showtimes for The Play That Goes Wrong are 7pm on May 8-10 and May 15-17 and 1pm on May 11 and May 18. Don’t miss the hijinks in this truly unique ASPI production.
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