BWW Reviews: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at Firehouse Theatre

When the lights dim in the converted Farmers Branch Firehouse, don't be alarmed when a whiny voice immediately complains about the show. This isn't your date, or a rude patron behind you, but the narrator of The Drowsy Chaperone (simply known as Man in Chair), inviting you into his living room for a walk down memory lane. With a wild imagination, and perhaps a touch of agoraphobia, Man in Chair dusts off his old records to bring his favorite (fictional) Jazz Age musical to life. Jumping in and out of the action on a whim, Man in Chair, like a friend with juicy gossip, makes sure to share all the important details, while adding his humorous commentary along the way.

For three weekends only, The Firehouse Theatre presents The Drowsy Chaperone, Broadway's 2006 surprise-hit musical, which received an astounding number of Tony Award nominations: 13 (the most nominations that season). Beyond its Broadway success, the show has been celebrated on tour, in the West End, Canada, Japan, Australia and Brazil. Although it lacks any major commercial appeal, theatre fans are eager to praise the show for its bold humor, dazzling production numbers and (perhaps selfishly), its array of distinctive character roles.

To pick a favorite character in this production is impossible, but Sarah Dickerson's Kitty puts up a good fight. With her impeccable timing and appropriately abrasive voice, Ms. Dickerson milks every single moment she is given. Partnering with a pair of gangsters (the razor-sharp duo of Tim Brawner and Clint Gilbert as The Tall Brothers), Ms. Dickerson creates uproarious laughter in the Act One finale, Toledo Surprise.

As the narrator of the show, Lon Barrera's Man in Chair is also remarkably effective. Although Mr. Barrera seemed somewhat uncomfortable with his lines on opening night (nerves, perhaps), his energy is simply infectious. Breaking the "fourth wall," Mr. Barrera holds the audience in the palm of his hand, unapologetically offering a wink or a comment to bring them in on the joke.

Hunter Lewis utterly steals the scenery, chews it up and spits it out as the flamboyant, over-the-top, self-proclaimed "ladies man," Aldolpho.

Contradicting the otherwise sweet-as-a-button storyline, Elisa James as The Drowsy Chaperone herself offers a deadpan, indifferent performance with frequent one-liners and priceless gags. Her performance could be compared to a young Carol Burnett.

Finally, Janelle Lutz dazzles as the "rising star," Janet Van de Graaf. Particularly in her Act Two song, Bride's Lament, where her rich vocals soar, Ms. Lutz proves both her dramatic and comedic chops.

The additional 17 performers in Firehouse Theatre's production provide great energy and an extraordinary amount of talent to this clean production. The impeccable costume design by Victor Newman Brockwel and costume assistant, Michelle Wentroble, deserves recognition on its own. The creative team of Derek Whitener (director), Rebecca Lowery (musical director) and Amy Cave (choreographer) have truly assembled a top-notch cast and have created a mostly seamless production. Having seen the Broadway and touring productions several times, I was able to identify their frequent use of the original staging and choreography. While I offer no judgements on this decision, I noted that the staging for Janet's production number, Show Off, should have been tailored to Janelle Lutz's unique talents, rather than the staging for Broadway's Sutton Foster. Even on Broadway, the original director/choreographer, Casey Nicholaw, personalized the staging for replacements Janine LaManna and Mara Davi, who succeeded Sutton Foster in the role. End theatre-snob rant.

If, like me, you have any doubts in finding quality theatre being performed by local performers in an old firehouse, the company of The Drowsy Chaperone at Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Branch is sure to convince you otherwise. The Drowsy Chaperone performs Thursdays through Sundays until March 1st, 2015. Tickets are available online at www.thefirehousetheatre.com or by calling 972-620-3747.

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