Bailiwick Chicago Presents Chicago Casting Auction's THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Beg. Tonight

It's no ordinary cast! Dozens of competitors bid for roles in a professionally produced stage production of the hit musical comedy parody THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at Bailiwick Chicago's annual Chicago Casting Auction. Now, they're ready to take the stage for six performances only, tonight, February 4 - 8, 2014 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.

With book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is directed by Bailiwick Chicago Managing Director Geoff Bleeker* with music direction by Robert Ollis*. Tickets are currently available at bailiwickchicago.com.

The cast of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE includes Andy Lambros (Man In Chair), Paula Goedert (Drowsy Chaperone), Jill Renn (Janet Van der Graff), Rusty Rector (Robert Martin), Jerry Hickey (George), Varris Holmes (Adolpho), Nancy Studenroth (Mrs. Tottendale), Herb Quinde (Underling), Larry Blust (Feldzeig), Laura Ladeweski (Kitty), Leatrice Berman Sandler (Trix), Christine Hadley and Amy Robbins (Gangsters), Myles Tobin (Superintendent), Penny Reynolds and Peg Wander (Reporters) with a special guest cameo by Noodles The Wonder Dog.

The ensemble includes Michelle Bibergal, Mary Burke, Stuart Burstein, Carol Christensen, Jenny Davis, Denise Doherty, Maria Harrigan, Deb Hayes, Kim Klein, Marcelline Klestil, Corey Krol, Diana Lynch, Bliss McMahon, Linda Effinger-Quinde, Fred Snow, Eileen Sweeney and Nora Winsberg. The teen and youth chorus includes youth from Bailiwick Chicago's partner school, Franklin Fine Arts Center, and the Chicago area. The youth chorus includes: Dylan Lainez, Joshua Steinfels-Saenz and Bennett Van York with Franklin Arts Center students Abbie Branda, Annie Goldenberg, Haley Goldenberg, Rory Kopplin, Rory Normal, Thomas Serges, Emily Smagacz, Myles Tanzer and Khilah Turnipseed.

A rare combination of unprecedented originality and blinding talent, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. If you've ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, "Dear Lord in heaven, please let it be good," this is the show for you!

THE CHICAGO CASTING AUCTION: Bailiwick Chicago's annual Chicago Casting Auction is a unique opportunity for non-professionals to experience the thrill of being on stage in a professionally produced Chicago stage production. More than 35 roles were auctioned off during the November 2, 2013 event at Chicago's Dank Haus German American Cultural Center Grand Ballroom, 4740 N. Western Ave. Contenders for leading and major supporting roles took the stage during the nail-biting live auction, often edged on by the crowd to show off their vocal and dancing talents. Additional supporting and chorus roles were won via silent auction. The event raised more than $60,000 for Bailiwick Chicago. Last year's auction, which culminated in a sold-out public run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, raised $75,000 (including ticket sales to the production itself) to support Bailiwick Chicago programming.

The production team for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE includes: Chris Kristant* (scenic design), D.J. Reed (costume coordinator), Jessica Carson (lighting design), Alex Heika (choreographer), Jon Martinez (asst. choreographer), Kyle Pollio (vocal director), Kate Garassino* (youth choir director/producer), Casi Maggio (associate youth choir director), Varris Holmes* (assistant director) and Heather Stuck* (stage manager).

Musicians: Robert Ollis* (Keyboard I, Conductor), Diane Hansen (woodwinds), Derek Fitting (trumpet), Deb Johnson (bass) and Lindsay Williams (percussion).

The show will run at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Previews: Tuesday, February 4 and Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30 pm. Regular run: Thursday, February 6 - Saturday, February 8, 2014. Curtain Times: Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 pm & 7:30 pm. Tickets: Previews: $20. $15 children 12 & under. Regular run: $45. Tickets are currently available at bailiwickchicago.com. *Denotes Bailiwick Chicago Collective Member.

Bailiwick Chicago is a non-profit professional company with a mission to produce contemporary musicals and plays, reinvent classic musicals and develop new work, while sharing a powerful and authentic theatrical experience. The company celebrates and engages our community through diverse programming, artistic partnerships and outreach opportunities. In its first three seasons Bailiwick Chicago has garnered 44 award nominations, including 10 Non-Equity Jeff Award Nominations in its first Jeff-Eligible season (2011-12). For additional information, visit www.bailiwickchicago.com.

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