Performance Network Holds DROWSY CHAPERONE Sunday Chats

Thousands of patrons are flocking to Performance Network's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" making it the most popular Performance Network show in years.  Now Ann Arbor's award-winning professional theatre offers patrons a chance to go behind the scenes with the cast, crew and director of this season's most beloved musical. 

A post-show chat will take place at 4pm, following the Network's Sunday matinee performance and is free to the community, as part of PNT's series of weekly fundraising celebrations.

On hand to discuss the process of putting the show together, will be real-life husband and wife, Phil Powers (the Man in the Chair) and Carla Milarch (Executive Director and Director of the hit musical) as well as other members of the cast and crew. 

Performance Network Marketing Director Chelsea Sadler said "I'm not sure if I've ever seen audiences fall in love with the cast and characters of a show like they have with Drowsy.  We thought people might really enjoy the chance to learn a little bit more about their lives, their process, and how they made the choices you see on stage."

This is the second weekly celebration the theatre has done, in response to meeting its weekly fundraising goals of $10,000 as a part of its annual campaign.  This year, Performance Network will shoot to raise $10,000 a week - or $2,000 a day - in order to meet its crucial end of the year goal.

Campaign updates and further celebrations will be announced via email in the PNT e-newsletter list, on the theatre's website, and on its Facebook page.  Supporters can "like" Performance Network to receive regular updates in their Facebook news feed. 

The musical comedy, with book by Bob Martin and Don McKeller and musics and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, runs through January 2. 

This lollapalooza of a musical takes audiences back to the dazzling fantasy of the 1920's - when stars had charisma, Broadway had romance and audiences had the time of their lives. In this hilarious musical comedy, Janet Van de Graaf, star of "Feldzeig's Follies" wants to leave the show because she's fallen for an oil-rich lummox, so the producer hires a gigolo to woo the girl and put the kibosh on the nuptials. A flaky chorine, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, and the titular martini-swilling chaperone round out the cast. Winner of Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at
www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance.  Performance Network is recommending "The Drowsy Chaperone" for children ages 12 and up.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

To post a comment, you must register and login.