'The Drowsy Chaperone' A Delightful Confection

Photos by Joan Marcus

'The Drowsy Chaperone' kicked off the New Year last night with about as much sweetness and good cheer any musical can provide.

It is a thoroughly enjoyable and highly inventive piece of very fine fluff.  'Drowsy' celebrates the musical theater. In this case through the eyes of the 'Man in Chair.'

This man is a lover of musicals and he waxes nostalgic about his favorite old time musical, also called 'The Drowsy Chaperone.' Through the magic of theater, Man in Chair's original Broadway cast recording of 'The Drowsy Chaperone' comes to life before our eyes.

The premise and the entire show are indeed fresh (although a tad reminiscent of the musical 'Smith' from a few decades ago,) inventive, clever and crowd pleasing. The book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar is quite inspired and witty and well served by the very fine music and lyrics of Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. All play beautifully with David Gallo's top notch scenic design and Gregg Barnes' smashing costumes.

The direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw never lag and continually provide nice comic touches and bursts of energy.

'The Drowsy Chaperone' is so sweet and well intentioned I feel a little Scrooge like in saying anything negative about it. My theater going companion loved the show and the audience seemed most appreciative. I just wish that the musical that comes to life, were a greater show.

It is fun seeing Man in Chair's original cast recording come to life, I just don't think that the show he picked to come to life is the same show I would pick. This is a first rate production with all involved at the top of their game.

(Jonathan Crombie)

Jonathan Crombie is most lovable as the 'Man' and I adored Georgia Engel ('The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'Everybody Loves Raymond) as Mrs. Tottendale. Her performance is full of joy and I only wish that she had a much larger part with much more to do.

(Georgia Engel)

It is a fine way to begin the new year with a show as fun as this one. 'The Drowsy Chaperone' plays its last performance at the Broward Center on January 13.

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