Three Rivers Community Players brings satirical take on theatre production with ‘The Greatest Play Ever Written’

The Three Rivers Community Players promises to bring laughter to the stage with their latest production, a satirical comedy that playfully explores different forms of theater.

Actress Allison Price, who has traveled from Union City to take part in this play said, “It’s completely unserious, but there are also real moments of depth.”

“It explains everything beautiful about theater in the funniest way possible,” Price added.

The show, written by Wade Bradford, a Los Angeles-based English Professor, takes audiences on a whirlwind journey through various theatrical genres while following a narrator struggling to run a production.

“The show is ridiculous in the best way possible,” said the director of the play Mel Eickoff. “Each scene dives into a different form of theater, leading up to a climactic and unexpected ending.”

The play, which Eickoff first encountered in college, was chosen for its ability to engage both actors and audiences. “It’s just nice to come to the theater and laugh for a bit,” Eickoff said.

The production mixes comedy, satire, and even some dark undertones, offering something for all generations. From sitcom-style moments to dramatic shifts in tone, the play embraces the familiar tropes seen in movies and television.

One of the most anticipated scenes, the “genre scene,” takes the classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and transforms it across different styles, including fairy tale, drama, western, science fiction, and horror.

“We play with stereotypes and sound cues that appeal to different generations,” Eickoff said. “The cast itself ranges from ages 15 to their late 30s, which adds to the dynamic energy of the show.”

For Eickoff, who grew up attending performances at the Three Rivers theater, the production is a nostalgic nod to past shows while offering a fresh take on classic storytelling.

“This time of year, when it’s cold and dark outside, having a place to go where we can just laugh is so important,” Eickoff said. “It’s been over a year in the making, and hearing the audience laugh really brings it all together.”

Despite a positive reception, the show has yet to sell out, and Eickoff believes the weather is partly to blame. However, with another weekend of performances set for February 14-16, she expects a larger crowd to turn out.

Cast member Amanda Treat of Three Rivers encouraged the community to show their support.

“In a small town like this, it’s important to support each other, whether it’s theater or any other local event,” Treat said. “It’s a great way to bond and have a good time together.”

For more information on showtimes and ticket purchases, visit the Three Rivers Community Players Facebook Page. 

Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter for Watershed Voice.