Photo Flash: Marriott Theatre's DROWSY CHAPERONE

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, presents the Chicago-area premiere of the smash hit Broadway musical THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. The production previews April 28th, opens May 5th, and runs through June 27th. Multi-Jeff Award winner Marc Robin will choreograph and direct.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, a thrilling "musical within a comedy," debuted on Broadway in 2006 and was an instant sensation, winning seven Drama Desk Awards and five Tony Awards. Variety raves that the show is "Irresistible!" and The New York Times called THE DROWSY CHAPERONE "Ingenious!"

To chase his blues away, a modern day musical theater addict drops the needle on his favorite LP, the 1928 musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. When the record begins to play, the musical magically bursts to life on stage, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the wedding, the dim but debonair groom, a Latin lover, a pair of bumbling gangsters, and of course, the drowsy chaperone. This hilarious show-within-a-show features a zany book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and a soaring score by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE features an all-star cast including Broadway veterans Linda Balgord as the Drowsy Chaperone, Tari Kelly as Janet and Tyler Hanes as Robert; with Adrian Aguilar as Gangster #1, Alex Aguilar as Gangster #2, Melody Betts as Trix, James Harms as Man In Chair, David Lively as Feltzieg, Andy Lupp as George, Adam Pelty as Aldolpho, John Reeger as Underling, Paula Scrofano as Mrs. Tottendale, and Laura Taylor as Kitty. The production also stars Cheryl Avery, Matthew Crowle, Erik Floor and Katie Spelman.

Lead Artistic Director Andy Hite heads the artistic team for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, with Musical Direction by Doug Peck, Properties Design by Jesse Gaffney, Sound Design by Robert E. Gilmartin, Costume Design by Nancy Missimi, Set Design by Thomas M. Ryan, and Lighting Design by Diane Williams. Patti Garwood conducts the Marriott Theatre orchestra.

The performance schedule for all shows is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $35 to $48, plus tax and handling fees. Seniors and Students receive $5.00 off a full price theatre ticket on Wednesday and Sunday 1 p.m. matinees. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings a limited number of Dinner and Theatre tickets are available for only $55.00 per person. Dinner is at our King's Wharf Restaurant or the Fairfield Inn (based on dining availability). Dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday range from $32-$43 per person (includes tax). Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or www.Ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

Marc Robin and Laura Taylor

Ericka Mac and Tyler Hanes

Melody Betts and Erik Floor

Alexander Aguilar and Adrian Aguilar

Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark

Linda Balgord and Tari Kelly

Katie Spellman, Gene Weygandt and Cheryl Avery

James Harms and Adrian Aguilar