Loras College Students Stage Hilarious Comedy Play-Within-a-Play

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College Players are preparing to stage “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong,” a comedy centered around a theatrical production beset by escalating mishaps, from March 26 through March 28 at St. Joseph Auditorium in Hoffmann Hall.

The production, described as a “hilariously chaotic” display, follows a dramatic society attempting to stage a 1920s murder mystery. According to Loras College promotional materials, the play is packed with collapsing set pieces, forgotten lines, and physical comedy as the actors struggle to keep the performance from falling apart.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. On March 26, 27, and 28. The Loras Players, a regionally-recognized campus theatre company, are inviting the public to attend the event, which is intended to provide an evening of entertainment for students and the wider Dubuque community.

The Loras Players have recently completed other productions, including “Evil Dead: The Musical” in November 2025, a “hilariously bloody, demon-packed, rock-filled adventure” based on the cult-classic films, according to a Facebook post from Loras College. Earlier in the year, the group explored two classic comedies, Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” and Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” as well as David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Rabbit Hole” for their spring classic, with the final selection determined by audition turnout.

Auditions for the spring classic were held on December 1, 2025, with rehearsals scheduled Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. Ryan Decker directs the theatre program, with Dr. Bagby serving as music director. The Loras Players also offer opportunities for students interested in improvisational comedy through Duprov, an improv troupe.

The theatre program is housed within the college’s Departmental organization, and maintains a social media presence on Instagram and Facebook. The program’s website is https://loras.edu/players/.