Scott Bier
“Who brings a dog to a school play?” That was the question running through my mind on opening night of Mountain View High School’s spring production of The Play That Goes Wrong. It was immediately clear this was no ordinary show.
From the very beginning, the cast and production crew do an excellent job immersing the audience in the world of a play-within-a-play, blurring the line between what is staged and what is truly going wrong. The show is packed with clever callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers, while nearly every line and visual includes a joke, a setup, or both.
The student cast delivers a standout performance, with each actor skillfully embodying their character’s quirks and bringing their comedic timing to life. Senior Valentin Ramirez, playing Max, commands the stage with the same confidence and charm he brought to his role as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. His crowd work and larger-than-life personality fit perfectly within the chaotic world of the play.
Also returning from Beauty and the Beast is senior Efrain De La Luz, who previously portrayed LeFou. In this production, he takes on the role of Robert and proves once again why he’s the school’s best slapstick performer. Unafraid to throw himself into the action—literally—Efrain’s physical comedy is a highlight. His performance also stands out during moments when characters are forced to deliver lines to themselves, a difficult task executed with ease and skill.
Senior Emily Martinez plays Sandra, who in turn plays Florence Colleymoore in the play-within-the-play. Her character’s evolution throughout the performance adds to the fun, offering visual gags and opportunities for other cast members to jump in with well-timed humor.
Every character is portrayed with precision, their personalities exaggerated just enough to be entertaining but never overwhelming. From start to finish, the show keeps the audience laughing, engaged, and guessing what will go wrong next. Even the opening moments set up jokes that pay off in hilarious ways later in the show.
This production is a true testament to the hard work and talent of the Mountain View theater department. If you are looking for a night of laughter and impressive student performances, do not miss The Play That Goes Wrong. Final performances are Thursday, April 10, and closing night, Friday, April 11.