BWW Previews: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at Candlelight Music Theatre

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE opens at Candlelight on March 17. The chaperone in the show is not lethargic. Rather he/she is slowly getting plastered as the show progresses.

Opening on Broadway in 2006, DROWSY won 6 Tonies including Best Original Score and Best Book. It has had major productions in Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Melbourne and Japan, as well as two North American tours.

DROWSY is a parody of American musical theatre of the 1920s. The story concerns a middle-aged, asocial musical theatre fan, titled "Man In Chair". No name for him, just "Man In Chair". This "Man in Chair" has some personal issues, agoraphobia being one. Seeking resolution to the sum of his fears and "non-specific sadness", he listens to a rare recording of his favorite (fictional) 1928 musical comedy called, guess what...The Drowsy Chaperone.

The show then comes to life onstage with the characters appearing in his dingy apartment, transforming it into an impressive Broadway set with seashell footlights, sparkling furniture, painted backdrops, and glitzy costumes. The wittingly titled "Man in Chair" provides a running commentary throughout the show from the stage to the audience, though he is on the audience side of the 4th wall, invisible to the players.

In the opening number, "Fancy Dress", the premise and characters of the show are introduced: it's the day of the wedding of oil tycoon Robert Martin and Broadway star Janet Van De Graaff, who plans to give up her career for married life. Those in attendance include aging hostess Mrs. Tottendale; her loyal employee known only as Underling; Robert's best man, George; Broadway producer Feldzieg, who is hoping to persuade Janet to forgo marriage and continue starring in Feldzieg's Follies; ditzy flapper Kitty, who hopes to take Janet's place in the Follies; two gangsters disguised as pastry chefs; self-proclaimed famed Latin lover Aldolpho; Janet's alcoholic Chaperone, who is supposed to keep her away from Robert until the wedding; and Trix, an aviatrix.

You can see then, that many reviews include the words 'madcap' and 'screwball'. The tunes range from the 20's to the '30's and are a paean to the Jazz Age.

Director/Choreo is Peter Rios, who held the same Creative Crew titles for previous shows that received outstanding reviews from Aisle Say: MUSIC MAN and SPAMALOT.

There is a mix of Candlelight veterans and newcomers. One superbly prescient bit of type casting: Anthony Connell as The Butler.

The institution - nearing its 50th year - is to be congratulated for not only entertaining thousands upon thousands of theatre-goers but also for enhancing the lives of so many who trod those boards, including myself. (I was the lead in the 2nd show in '70, PAL JOEY. I so crucified the role that it has never been brought back)!

March 17 - April 22 CandlelightTheatreDelaware 475.2313 Group Rates

There will be a Relaxed Performance of The Drowsy Chaperone, Saturday April 14. This is a show-only matinee performance with doors opening at 12:30 and show at 1:00 pm. A Relaxed Performance provides a Sensory-Friendly, judgment-free zone where all are welcome to be who they are. Some adjustments will be made so that individuals with sensory sensitivities and those with ADD, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, dementia and learning differences - or anyone who would benefit from a relaxed environment - can enjoy the magic of live theatre with their families and friends. Candlelight welcomes all to this non-judgmental environment in a 'no-shush zone.' Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children.

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